Thank you for contacting me about Julian Assange.
I am aware that in a hearing at Westminster Magistrates Court, the judge who oversees extradition requests has authorised the case to be sent to the Home Secretary for her final decision. This follows a Supreme Court ruling last month that Mr Assange's case raised no legal questions over assurances the US had given the UK over how he is likely to be treated. The Home Secretary must now decide whether the US' request for Mr Assange meets the remaining legal tests.
As you will be aware, in 2019, the Home Secretary signed an extradition warrant, following a request by the US Department of Justice. In making this decision, the then Home Secretary had limitations on what could be considered, in line with the Crime and Courts Act 2013; judgments on human rights or health issues can only be made in court. As you would expect, the Home Secretary will give due regard to the courts' rulings in Mr Assange's case.
For those constituents who have raised questions around freedom of the press in connection with this case, I want to reassure you that I believe a free and independent media is a crucial foundation of our democracy. I will do everything in my power to support the industry wherever possible.
In March 2021, the National Action Plan for the Safety of Journalists was published. This sets out how journalists will be protected from threats of violence and intimidation, as well as the steps broadcasters, publishers, social media companies, law enforcement, industry bodies, unions and the Government will take. New measures include further training for police officers as well as aspiring and existing journalists, and commitments from social media platforms and prosecution services to take tough action against abusers.
I do not as a rule sign Early Day Motions as I have not found them to be an effective means of achieving change, and I will not therefore be signing any EDMs in relation to Mr Assange.
Thank you again for taking the time to contact me.
