Briefing from the Prime Minister’s Official Spokesman on: Abu Hamza Arrest, Troops, United Nations and the Prime Minister.
Abu Hamza Arrest
Asked about the US Attorney General’s comments that Abu Hamza would face the death penalty and whether this would be a factor in the extradition process the Prime Minister’s Official Spokesman (PMOS) said that he didn’t want to comment on the individual case for obvious legal reasons. However, he would like to point out the general nature of our extradition arrangements with the US. In such circumstances, while it may be correct that an offence in the US carried the death penalty the US were aware that because of our extradition arrangements with them that the Secretary of State could not order extradition in a case where an offence might be punishable by death, unless he received adequate written assurances that such a sentence could not be imposed, or if imposed would not be carried out. The PMOS said that it was his understanding that this did not mean that the extradition could not take place but it did mean a written assurance was needed in such cases. This was part of our extradition arrangements with the US, which he believed had been updated this year, though journalists should check that with the Home Office. Asked whether the written assurance was received before or after the proceedings had started the PMOS said his understanding was that it would come latter on in the process.
Troops
Asked if he could help characterise the announcement made today by Geoff Hoon and whether it should be seen in the context of improving security before the handover of sovereignty the PMOS stated for the purposes of clarity that today’s announcement was the result of recommendations made from British commanders in the field in our particular area, about the needs in our particular area. That should be distinguished from the consultation in progress with our coalition partners about the overall strategic position as we move towards 30 June and Iraqi-isation of the position. Those strategic discussions were continuing and should not be confused with today’s announcement. Today’s announcement was the result of an assessment on the ground of our needs, particularly in the run up to 30 June where increased attempts by terrorists and others to inflict casualties on the coalition forces were expected. This was because they wanted to disrupt the handover to a sovereign Iraqi Government. There had always been this expectation and today’s announcement should be seen in that light.
Asked if this meant that no further troops would be deployed till after 30 June the PMOS said that the reality was that because of the lead times of such decisions it was always going to take longer. Therefore he would make the distinction here between short term and medium term decisions. The precise time scales involved would only become apparent if and when a decision was made and that point had not yet been reached. In response to further questioning he said that any decision would be taken because of assessments of the need and the strategic view of what happened in Iraq and for no other reasons. In terms of public opinion the Prime Minister had firmly stated that it was his view that we must stay in Iraq till the job was done and what we were trying to do was to get Iraq to a position where it could take responsibility for its own security. Any strategic decision would be taken in light of that.
Asked if this meant in light of today’s operational decision that any further decisions would be political ones the PMOS responded that that was too simplistic a characterisation. Any judgement was made on the basis of a military assessment on the ground and the assessment of what is necessary to deliver the overall goals of the coalition in Iraq. That was what would shape any future strategic announcements.
Asked what the net change of troops would be following today’s announcement the PMOS said that there would be a slight increase of about 370 personnel.
United Nations
Asked if there was any reaction to French and Chinese comments seeking a firm deadline for withdrawal of troops in the resolution the PMOS said that it was best not to give a running commentary on negotiations at the UN. All he could say was that the feedback from the UN this morning had been that progress was being made and that the atmosphere was constructive. Asked if the Prime Minister had any plans to go to the UN the PMOS said that there were no plans in the diary for such a visit.
Prime Minister
Asked if the Prime Minister was taking a break next week the PMOS said the Prime Minister would take a short break over the weekend, but would be back at his desk in Downing Street next week.
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