Thank you to constituents who have contacted me to
express their concerns about recent media reports that two British men have
been extradited to the US to face charges.
I agree with them on the importance of holding
those who are responsible for the murder of Harry Dunn to account and will
continue to speak up for justice to be done in the case.
“Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice
everywhere”, wrote the Revd Martin Luther King Jr. Just as we in the UK are
keen to see foreign fugitives who have committed serious crimes in this country
to be returned to our country, we should expect to see the same level of
eagerness from US citizens to see foreign nationals who have committed serious
crimes returned to their country to face the consequences of their actions.
I fully understand how strongly constituents feel
about seeking justice for Harry Dunn and this is certainly a case that has
certainly raised important questions about our historic and special
relationship with the US. I and many colleagues across the benches will
continue to press ministers for further action and representations to their US
counterparts. But in returning fugitives to the country where they have
committed their offences to face the legal consequences, we are demonstrating
to our American partners that we are doing the right thing and honouring our
end of the agreement with them, and that it is up to them now to review their
latest decision and ensure that those who are culpable for the murder of Harry
Dunn are brought to justice before a British court.
