NatWest 3 - Ming Campbell challenges ministers over South Wraxall man's extradition case

9.23.00pm BST (GMT +0100) Mon 10th Jul 2006

Sir Menzies Campbell today highlighted the 'abject failure' of the Government to protect the interests of British citizens in extradition proceedings. He also corrected Baroness Scotland's claims that those seeking to re-balance the current system are engaged in political point-scoring against the United States.

Responding to Baroness Scotland's announcement of her visit to the United States to discuss extradition issues with the US Senate, Sir Menzies said:

"The Government has belatedly woken up to the problems pointed out to them by the Liberal Democrats as long ago as December 2003.

"The Government claim that those who are concerned about extradition of the NatWest Three are making a political point against the United States is risible and unworthy.

"The issue is not anti-Americanism but rather the abject failure of the Government to fulfil its primary responsibility of protecting the interests of its citizens. Government bluster will not conceal Government embarrassment."