Nick Clegg admits: I might not have the power to stop Gary McKinnon's extradition

Nick Clegg admits: I might not have the power to stop Gary McKinnon's extradition


New stance: Nick Clegg has admitted the government may be powerless to prevent Gary McKinnon's extradition
Stopping the extradition of Gary McKinnon to the U.S. may not be within the Government's power, Nick Clegg suggested yesterday.
The comment - his first intervention in the case since becoming Deputy Prime Minister - surprised supporters of the 44-year-old computer hacker because it was completely at odds with Mr Clegg's previously stated position.
In opposition Mr Clegg, backed by independent legal advice, had argued fiercely that ministers could use human rights grounds to halt Gary's extradition to the States, where he faces up to 60 years behind bars.
Last night campaigners said that, with trust in politicians at an all-time low, it was vital for Mr Clegg to keep his word.
The Lib Dem leader made his new remarks in the wake of the decision by Home Secretary Theresa May to halt Gary's extradition while she considers fresh medical evidence that he will kill himself if sent to the U.S.
Mr Clegg was previously one of the staunchest supporters of the Asperger's sufferer, who hacked into Nasa and Pentagon computers looking for evidence of 'little green men'.
Last year, when the prospect of his party finding itself with a share of government was highly unlikely, Mr Clegg said it was 'completely within the power' of then Home Secretary Alan Johnson to step in.
But yesterday, speaking about Gary's case for the first time since the election, he appeared to change his tone. Initially, Mr Clegg said: 'I haven't changed my view one bit: That I believe it would be best for Gary McKinnon to be tried here.'


Read more: [link to www.dailymail.co.uk]

Read more: [link to www.dailymail.co.uk]