A US diplomat was reportedly flown out of the UK after being accused of possessing indecent images of children. US officials allegedly raided the diplomat's flat in London last month before taking him to an American airbase, a move that may further strain relations between London and Washington.
No formal extradition request
American personnel have no powers of arrest in Britain, and there was no formal request for the man to be extradited, according to The Sun. UK ministers are understood to be in contact with the US embassy over the incident.
The Metropolitan Police confirmed that the force was made aware of the investigation into the man last month and that it is 'liaising' with US authorities over the matter.
Government response
A Government spokesperson said: “We expect all foreign diplomats in the UK to abide by our laws, in the same way we expect all UK diplomats to do so when posted overseas. As a US investigation is ongoing, it would not be appropriate to comment further at this stage.”
The man’s seizure is reported to be related to an investigation into another individual in the US.
A spokesperson for the Metropolitan Police said: “On Tuesday August 25, US authorities made us aware of an investigation they are conducting into suspected offences in London relating to indecent images of children. We continue to liaise with them regarding this matter.”
Wider UK-US tensions
During his visit to Ireland, Donald Trump has expressed support for a united Ireland, adding to already mounting tensions between Britain and the US. The 47th US president claimed Irish unification was inevitable as he spoke to reporters alongside Taoiseach Micheál Martin, adding it “may as well happen now”.
In another sign of difficult UK-US relations, Mr Trump also cast doubt on Britain’s willingness to defend the Falkland Islands should Argentina attempt an invasion.
The incident comes two months after then-deputy prime minister David Lammy said he would raise with the US government the case of an American fighter pilot who avoided a trial under English law for strangling a woman in Cambridge. Captain Jacob Wulfson was tried at a court martial on a US airbase, despite his alleged crime taking place while he was off-duty, and was jailed for six months after being convicted of strangulation. He was acquitted of charges of sexual assault and aggravated sexual contact.
Downing Street said at the time it was “very concerning” that Capt Wulfson’s case had not been dealt with by the Crown Prosecution Service. The Press Association has contacted the US embassy for comment.
