Freshfields takes advisory role on plans to criminalise extraordinary rendition

Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer has been advising an all-party group in the House of Commons looking at the potential criminalisation of extraordinary rendition, which sees suspected terrorists transported to countries where they are likely to be interrogated and imprisoned.

The magic circle firm was drafted in by the All Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) in February 2008 to examine whether changes to the law were needed to prevent UK involvement in extraordinary rendition, with the APPG now proposing a new law to criminalise it.

The unusual mandate has seen litigation partner Paul Lomas advise the group, which is chaired by Conservative MP Andrew Tyrie. The organisation is now recommending that various acts be criminalised, including the use of British facilities for extraordinary rendition flights and the practice of 'circuit flights', which involves aircraft that are empty at the time but designed for the purpose of rendition in future.

Lomas said: "Involvement in rendition breaches the UK's international obligations. A focused law will make prosecutions easier, deter the activity and show the UK as setting high standards internationally in this area."

The APPG is now inviting a response to its proposals from the Government.

Tyrie added: "English law has been insufficient to prevent UK involvement in extraordinary rendition. These proposals will buttress existing law. If implemented they will give the public greater confidence that Britain is not complicit in extraordinary rendition."

Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer on the Legal Week Wiki