Overview

This bill amends the Extradition Act 2003, clarifying the process and authority for provisional arrests in extradition cases. It designates the National Crime Agency as the responsible authority and outlines which countries are eligible for this process, with a time limit for implementation.

Description

The bill makes several key changes:

• Designated Authority: It designates the National Crime Agency (NCA) as the "designated authority" responsible for handling provisional arrest requests.
• Power to Amend: The Secretary of State is granted the power to change the designated authority through regulations.
• Eligible Countries: The bill adds a list of European countries eligible for provisional arrest under the amended process. This list includes Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, The Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, and Sweden.
• Sunset Clause: Unless implemented before the end of 2021, the provisions related to the list of added countries will be repealed.

Government Spending

The bill doesn't directly specify new government spending figures. The cost will likely be associated with administrative changes within the NCA to manage the amended process. No specific figures are provided in the text.

Groups Affected

• National Crime Agency (NCA): Takes on the primary responsibility for handling provisional arrest requests, requiring adjustments to their operations and potentially increased workload.
• Law enforcement agencies in the UK: Will need to coordinate with the NCA under the new procedures.
• Individuals subject to extradition requests from listed countries: Their rights may be affected by the streamlined provisional arrest process.
• Law enforcement agencies in the listed countries: Will benefit from a clearer and potentially more efficient process for requesting provisional arrests in the UK.

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