Just In: UK Declines To Block Death Penalty For Two Islamic State Members

The UK will not block use of the death penalty by the US in the case of two men who are accused of being Islamic State members.

In a letter to the US Attorney General, Sajid Javid said the UK will seek no assurances that the pair will not be executed.

Alexanda Kotey and El Shafee Elsheikh were captured in Syria in January.

The Prime Minister was aware of the letter and discussions with the US on this issue were continuing.

Shami the Labour's shadow Attorney General, said  Javid had "secretly and unilaterally abandoned Britain's opposition to the death penalty" and appeared to be encouraging "this grave Human Rights abuse".

The men, from West London, are accused of being the last two members of an I.S foursome dubbed "the beatles".

In the letter to Jeff Sessions, dated 22 June 2018, 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.

The former Independent reviewer of terrorism Legislation, Lord Carlile, described the letter as "extraordinary".

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