European Arrest Warrant crucial in fighting crime

3.01.51pm GMT Wed 15th Mar 2006

The European Parliament has adopted a report on the experience of the European Arrest Warrant, which cuts the red tape involved in traditional extradition. Baroness Sarah Ludford MEP, Liberal Democrat European justice spokeswoman, said:

"The European Arrest Warrant is one of the best tools we have to fight cross-border crime and terrorism. Londoners saw its effectiveness last September when Hussein Osman, a suspect in the attempted 21st July bombings in London, was returned to the UK within weeks rather than years."

The report does highlight ongoing problems with implementation, including translation problems, interference of governments in some member states, and the way concerns about human rights are (sometimes spuriously) holding up application.

Sarah Ludford commented:

"Two actions are needed to bolster confidence in the operation of the European Arrest Warrant. The first is for the EU governments to agree a long-proposed obligation for practical measures such as decent interpretation, a 'letter of rights' and legal aid to improve fair trial safeguards.

Sarah recalled that when she assisted 12 British planespotters accused of espionage in Greece a few years ago, none of these safeguards was present.

"The second is to increase the role of the European Parliament and the European Court of Justice in scrutinizing and overseeing the way Member States are implementing the legislation."

Note to Editors

The European Arrest Warrant came into force on 1 January 2004, with the aim of facilitating law enforcement across Europe. It replaced lengthy traditional extradition procedures with a new efficient way of bringing back criminals and suspects who have absconded to another EU country. Sarah Ludford was spokeswoman for the European Liberal Democrat group in the European Parliament when the measure went through, and was instrumental in its approval.