Extradition - From the UK
Plain-English digest of CPS prosecution guidance.
AI-generated summary — not verbatim. This is a plain-English digest, not the official CPS text. It may omit detail or fall out of date. Do not rely on it for a charging decision — read the full guidance on cps.gov.uk and check the current legislation.
This guidance outlines the process and legal framework for extradition from the UK to other countries, detailing the roles of the CPS, the National Crime Agency, and the courts. It covers various aspects including prima facie requirements, statutory bars to extradition, human rights considerations, ongoing domestic prosecutions, and the procedures involved in bail and appeals. The guidance aims to ensure that extradition is conducted fairly and in accordance with both UK and international law.
Key points
- The CPS is responsible for conducting extradition proceedings for requested persons.
- Extradition requests can arise under both Part 1 and Part 2 of the Extradition Act 2003.
- Judges must consider statutory bars to extradition, including health, double jeopardy, and human rights.
- Bail in extradition cases follows a presumption in favor of granting bail unless specified conditions warrant otherwise.
- Decisions by the Secretary of State regarding Part 2 extradition cases are subject to specific prohibitions.
- Requests based on European Arrest Warrants are governed under transitional arrangements following Brexit.
Public-interest factors
- Ensuring justice is served in the appropriate jurisdiction.
- Protecting human rights of requested persons.
- Maintaining international law cooperation.
- Fair trial considerations in the requesting country.
- Public safety concerns related to the extradition offences.
- Mitigating risks of wrongful extradition.
This is a factual digest of guidance published by the Crown Prosecution Service. Digested 2026-07-15. BlueLineHub is independent and not affiliated with the CPS.