Bolton MP Brian Iddon defends vote U-turn on review of controversial extradition Act (From The Bolton News)

Bolton MP Brian Iddon defends vote U-turn on review of controversial extradition Act

11:30am Sunday 19th July 2009 in

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BOLTON MP Brian Iddon has denied claims of “hypocrisy” after he voted against a review of a controversial extradition agreement between the UK and United States.

Despite having signed an Early Day Motion asking for a review of the Extradition Act 2003, Labour MP Dr Iddon this week voted against Tory calls for a review of the Act.

The Conservatives made the call during an Opposition Day in Parliament — one of just 20 that are allowed to be called each year — in light of the Gary McKinnon case.

Mr McKinnon, aged 43, faces extradition to the US where he is accused of hacking into army, navy and NASA computer systems.

But there is a strong campaign to fight the extradition as Mr McKinnon has been diagnosed with Asperger’s syndrome. However that call was voted down as 74 Labour MPs, including Dr Iddon, toed the party line — leading to accusations of “hypocrisy”. One commentator called the 74 “civil liberties villains”.

But Dr Iddon last night defended his position, saying it was the usual practice to vote with your party at Opposition Days.

The Bolton South East MP, who said he has discussed the details of the case with the Home Office, added: “Such votes and debates are hard for members of the public to understand but it is usual to vote against motions put forward by the opposition during these debates.

“The vote is called for in a bid to embarrass the Government and could lead to problems such as a vote of no confidence. I am also against cases like this being used as a political football.”

He added: “In between signing the motion and the debate more information came to light.

“This debate and the vote was not just about Mr McKinnon but extradition procedures.

“Mr McKinnon formed a part of that debate.”

The MP also argued that Mr McKinnon’s condition, a form of autism, was brought late into the legal argument against extradition, and that there has been extensive legal recourse open to Mr McKinnon.

Dr Iddon said: “The case is still going through the courts as I understand it.

“But also if he was to be extradited our officials in America would be keeping a close eye on him.”