The “Campaign for Britain to opt out of the European Arrest Warrant” has a facebook page  on which it records the following, “The British Government and courts are powerless to protect anyone who becomes the subject of a European Arrest Warrant.

In addition, the accused is denied the right to challenge the warrant before he or she is spirited overseas.

The warrant was agreed by EU leaders including Tony Blair and introduced in 2004. Labour ministers signed up in the belief it would speed up justice and improve relations between EU countries.

Last year, 1,032 Britons were extradited abroad to face trial but just 98 foreign nationals were brought here to face criminal charges.

Far from rowing back the powers handed to foreign courts, the coalition Government has just extended them.
Last month Home Secretary Theresa May signed up to the European Investigation Order, the partner to the European Arrest Warrant.

It allows foreign police to travel to the UK and take part in the arrest of Britons, place them under surveillance, monitor bank accounts and demand DNA samples.

As soon (or if) as petitions are up and running again on the Downing Street website we will start one. Meanwhile, write to your MP and MEP, ask what their position is on this nasty little directive and demand action!

Sign up now and show your support.