Islamic State ‘Beatles’ duo: UK ‘will not block death penalty’

The UK would not oppose the use of the death penalty if two alleged Islamic state members were extradited to the US, the home secretary says.

In a letter leaked to the Telegraph, Sajid Javid said he would seek no assurances about the sentences.

Alexanda Kotey and El Shafee Elsheikh, from west London, were captured in Syria in January.

Labour said the UK had “unilaterally abandoned” its opposition to the death penalty.

For years Britain sought assurances from foreign governments that the death penalty would not be used in cases where the UK provided information or extradited suspects.

Number 10 said it was “a long-standing position of the government to oppose the death penalty in all circumstances as a matter of principle”.

But it added that in this case it was “a priority to make sure that these men face criminal prosecution”.

In the letter to Jeff Sessions, dated 22 June 2018, Mr Javid wrote that the UK would not seek “assurances” over the death penalty in this particular case, but said it did not mark a change in UK policy.

“I am of the view that there are strong reasons for not requiring a death penalty assurance in this specific case, so no such assurances will be sought,” he said.

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