Speaker agrees to Lib Dem request for an emergency debate on the UK's extradition laws

8.09.54am UTC (GMT +0000) Wed 12th Jul 2006

Speaker Martin grants Lib Dem request for a debate on extradition

In a highly unusual move, Commons Speaker Michael Martin allowed Wednesday's debate after a request by Liberal Democrat MP Nick Clegg. Mr Clegg said an extradition accord with the US is one-sided because the Americans have failed to ratify it. "It's difficult to understand why the government should enact such an important piece of legislation without also exercising the political pressure in Washington, that is only this week belatedly being brought to bear, to encourage the US Congress to enact its side of the bargain," he said.

On Tuesday the government was defeated in the Lords, when peers called for extraditions to the US to be suspended. The Commons debate may intensify pressure for changes to the law - but it will not alter the fate of the Nat West Three. They are due to be extradited to Texas on Thursday accused of fraud. No evidence has been produced and under this fast track extradition treaty none was asked for.