Fact Check: could someone be extradited without evidence under a European Arrest Warrant?

This Fact Check evaluates UKIP leader Nigel Farage’s claim that the European Arrest Warrant meant that UK nationals would be vulnerable to being extradited without the production of any evidence. The authors conclude that this claim is inaccurate.

David Lowe said that it was also important to look beyond the political soundbites and consider the facts about the effectiveness of the warrants. If the UK pulled out of the EAW it would have to revert to expensive and lengthy procedures laid out in the 1957 European Convention on Extradition. These would be based on political decisions, not judicial ones, especially if the UK cannot agree to bilateral extradition agreements with member states. The UK policing agencies benefit from being part of the EAW system.

• Primary Source

ESO: Background information: Research and analysis. The UK's cooperation with the EU on justice, home affairs, foreign policy and security issues: background note http://www.europeansources.info/record/research-and-analysis-the-uks-cooperation-with-the-eu-on-justice-home-affairs-foreign-policy-and-security-issues-background-note/

ESO: In Focus: Brexit - The United Kingdom and the European Union http://www.europeansources.info/record/brexit-the-united-kingdom-and-the-european-union/

Politico, 08.05.16: Leaving the EU is a security risk for UK, say spy chiefs (the views of former head of MI5, Baron Evans of Weardale, and MI6, Sir John Sawers) (et al) http://www.europeansources.info/record/leaving-the-eu-is-a-security-risk-for-uk-say-spy-chiefs/

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