Peers’ first electronic vote hailed as ‘historic’

PEERS HAVE defeated the Government in the first electronic vote in the history of the House of Lords.

Members backed by 275 to 256 (majority 19) a move aimed at securing safeguards around the extradition of international fugitives and ensure the system is not abused by countries with poor human rights records.

The historic vote came during the third reading of the Extradition (Provisional Arrest) Bill, which is designed to close a loophole that allows fugitives wanted for serious crimes abroad to walk free on UK streets.

The legislation gives police the power to arrest a person wanted for extradition without the need to secure court approval.

This would only apply to serious offences and where a valid extradition request has been made by approved “trusted” countries, which currently includes Australia, Canada, New Zealand and the US.

However, the Bill would give Ministers the power to add to this list and there are concerns this could be open to future abuse, with other motives influencing decisions such as securing trade deals.

The amendment backed by peers imposes conditions on Ministers in adding to the group of selected countries. This included the requirement for a ministerial statement confirming that the territory does not abuse the Interpol Red Notices system, used to locate and provisionally arrest a person pending extradition.

Opening the third reading proceedings, Home Office Minister Baroness Williams of Trafford recognised the importance of occasion with the prospect of electronic voting, introduced in response to the coronavirus pandemic. She told the chamber: “I would like to note the fact that this is a historic moment.”