Sir, The term “special relationship” (report, Mar 15), with all that David Cameron likes to think that it means, sits uncomfortably with the charges laid against Richard O’Dwyer, 23 (report, Mar 14), who is likely to be extradited to the US without a shred of evidence having being put before a UK court.
What is particularly special about the 2003 extradition treaty, the purpose of which was to apprehend terrorists, is its asymmetrical features, which favour the US judicial system over transparent due process in the UK courts. It points to a glaring disparity between the values enshrined in the Constitution of the United States — ideals of life, liberty and human happiness — and that judicial system’s denial of a person’s fundamental human rights.
The US and UK governments have now agreed to review the operation of the treaty, but there has been no mention of amending it, an undertaking made by the Conservatives and Liberal Democrats when in opposition.
John Barker
Prestbury, Cheshire