Written question asked by Lord Maginnis of Drumglass (Ulster Unionist Party), in the House of Lords. It was answered by Baroness Kinnock of Holyhead (Labour) on Monday, 14 December 2009.

US: Extradition

Question: To ask Her Majesty's Government whether they will take account of the reaction of the Government of the United States, including Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, to the verdict relating to the murder of British student Meredith Kercher in examining requests for extradition to the United States, such as that for British citizen Gary McKinnon, whose actions were influenced by his Asperger condition.

Answer: The verdict and the proceedings of the trial are a matter solely for the Italian judicial system. Secretary Clinton has not commented on the sentencing of Amanda Knox, but has agreed to a request to speak to Ms Knox's Senator, Senator Cantwell. Extradition requests received by the UK are dealt with under the provisions of the Extradition Act 2003, which provide full and effective safeguards for the subject of the request, including a thorough consideration of whether acceding to the request would breach the human rights of the requested person.

Secondary information