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» Thursday, May 27, 2004

Abu Hamza Arrest

Asked about the US Attorney General's comments that Abu Hamza would face the death penalty and whether this would be a factor in the extradition process the Prime Minister's Official Spokesman (PMOS) said that he didn't want to comment on the individual case for obvious legal reasons. However, he would like to point out the general nature of our extradition arrangements with the US. In such circumstances, while it may be correct that an offence in the US carried the death penalty the US were aware that because of our extradition arrangements with them that the Secretary of State could not order extradition in a case where an offence might be punishable by death, unless he received adequate written assurances that such a sentence could not be imposed, or if imposed would not be carried out. The PMOS said that it was his understanding that this did not mean that the extradition could not take place but it did mean a written assurance was needed in such cases. This was part of our extradition arrangements with the US, which he believed had been updated this year, though journalists should check that with the Home Office. Asked whether the written assurance was received before or after the proceedings had started the PMOS said his understanding was that it would come latter on in the process.

Briefing took place at 15:45 | Read whole briefing | Comments (7)

Troops

Asked if he could help characterise the announcement made today by Geoff Hoon and whether it should be seen in the context of improving security before the handover of sovereignty the PMOS stated for the purposes of clarity that today's announcement was the result of recommendations made from British commanders in the field in our particular area, about the needs in our particular area. That should be distinguished from the consultation in progress with our coalition partners about the overall strategic position as we move towards 30 June and Iraqi-isation of the position. Those strategic discussions were continuing and should not be confused with today's announcement. Today's announcement was the result of an assessment on the ground of our needs, particularly in the run up to 30 June where increased attempts by terrorists and others to inflict casualties on the coalition forces were expected. This was because they wanted to disrupt the handover to a sovereign Iraqi Government. There had always been this expectation and today's announcement should be seen in that light.

Briefing took place at 15:45 | Read whole briefing | Comments (2)

United Nations

Asked if there was any reaction to French and Chinese comments seeking a firm deadline for withdrawal of troops in the resolution the PMOS said that it was best not to give a running commentary on negotiations at the UN. All he could say was that the feedback from the UN this morning had been that progress was being made and that the atmosphere was constructive. Asked if the Prime Minister had any plans to go to the UN the PMOS said that there were no plans in the diary for such a visit.

Briefing took place at 15:45 | Read whole briefing | Comments (4)

Prime Minister

Asked if the Prime Minister was taking a break next week the PMOS said the Prime Minister would take a short break over the weekend, but would be back at his desk in Downing Street next week.

Briefing took place at 15:45 | Read whole briefing | Comments (0)

Troops

Asked if the Defence Secretary would be making a statement on troops the Prime Minister's Official Spokesman said that it was likely to be at 12.30pm but he did not want to pre-empt that statement. For guidance purposes it would be an operational statement rather than the result of strategic discussions with our coalition partners, which were continuing.

Briefing took place at 11:00 | Read whole briefing | Comments (0)

Abu Hamza Arrest

Asked if the Prime Minister had any reaction to the arrest of Abu Hamza the Prime Minister's Official Spokesman told journalists that it was entirely a matter for the legal authorities and therefore it would be totally wrong for him to make any comment.

Briefing took place at 11:00 | Read whole briefing | Comments (0)

Prime Minister

Asked if the Prime Minister was taking any time off next week the PMOS said no, the Prime Minister was in Manchester today, he would be out again tomorrow and that he would continue to work next week.

Briefing took place at 11:00 | Read whole briefing | Comments (0)

Real IRA

Asked if the Prime Minister was concerned about the RIRA judgement today the PMOS said that it was a matter for the Northern Ireland Office, but that it was the Government's view that the law did meet this point. However, it was a matter for the relevant authorities to consider this judgement and what action to take as a result of it. It was only appropriate for those relevant authorities to make their decision before any announcement were made.

Briefing took place at 11:00 | Read whole briefing | Comments (2)

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» Thursday, May 27, 2004

Abu Hamza Arrest

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