DESPITE occasional differences, we have close relations with the USA. Nevertheless, there are recognised limits.

For example, suppose the FBI identified somebody in Britain, who they believe was in terrorist attacks. They can only have that person arrested if they have enough evidence to persuade a British magistrate to issue a warrant.

The suspect can only be taken to America after an extradition hearing during which he can defend himself. What if our government agreed that, henceforth, a warrant issued by an American judge would itself be sufficient for a terrorist suspect to be arrested, and deported?

There would be outcry, especially in the more "liberal" media. And quite rightly, because no foreign court should be given such power over people in this country.

Yet, amazingly, this is just what the government is planning. Except that the warrant would not come from a judge in America, but from a magistrate in another EU state.

It need not relate to terrorist activities, but to any of 32 offences, most of which have little to do with terrorism, and some of which are not even crimes in Britain. Disgracefully, the government hopes to sneak in this EU Arrest Warrant through the Extradition Bill, shortly to be laid before Parliament.

This bill must be stopped. How many of us have heard a word about this, from our elected representatives?

Dr D R Cooper

Belmont Park Avenue

Maidenhead