Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

UK Nationals in US Prisons

Tuesday 18 May 2021 · 2 questions

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 0 Partly answered 2 Not answered 0

Key points

  • There is a mechanism in place under the Council of Europe convention on the transfer of sentenced persons to facilitate transfers to and from the United States.
  • Individuals must return to the US to commence their sentence before applying for transfer to the UK under the prisoner transfer agreement.
  • The US and UK have had a prisoner transfer agreement in place for 31 years.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Desmond Swayne Con New Forest West
Justice & Courts
Context

The question arises from discussions with Cabinet colleagues on a mechanism for UK nationals serving time in the United States to be able to complete their sentences within the UK.

Question

What recent discussions have you had with Cabinet colleagues on enabling UK nationals imprisoned in the US to serve their sentences in the UK?

Answer from Alex Chalk

There is already a mechanism in place under the Council of Europe convention on the transfer of sentenced persons, which facilitates transfers to and from the United States. However, it does not allow for the 'takeover' of sentences; individuals must return to the US to commence their sentence before applying for transfer.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The specific commitment requested by the questioner was not addressed, instead general information about existing mechanisms was provided.

Was this summary accurate? Tell us

How accurate was this summary? (1 = poor, 5 = spot on)

Q2 Desmond Swayne Con New Forest West
Justice & Courts
Context

The question arises from discussions with Cabinet colleagues on a mechanism for UK nationals serving time in the United States to be able to complete their sentences within the UK, particularly given a powerful case made by correspondence.

Question

In light of the circumstances and the strong argument presented through correspondence, can you ensure that my constituent is allowed to commence his sentence in the UK?

Answer from Alex Chalk

While my right hon. Friend has fought diligently on behalf of his constituent, under the prisoner transfer agreement between the US and the UK for 31 years, individuals must first return to the US to commence their sentence before applying for transfer. Once that application is agreed by the US authorities, HMPPS will process it as quickly as possible.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The specific request for immediate action was not addressed; instead, general information about existing mechanisms and timelines was provided.

Was this summary accurate? Tell us

How accurate was this summary? (1 = poor, 5 = spot on)