Johnson to face MPs over hacker extradition
Home secretary to face questions over Gary McKinnon extradition
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Alan Johnson is set to face serious questions from MPs today over his ability to prevent the extradition of British computer hacker Gary McKinnon.
The home secretary has previously stated he was powerless to stop the extradition of Mr McKinnon, an Asperger's sufferer who is wanted in the US accused of hacking into confidential military computers.
Speaking earlier this year, Mr Johnson said he would be breaking the law if he opposed the extradition to the US.
However in recent weeks, the home secretary has seemingly backtracked declaring he would examine new medical evidence before allowing the deportation.
Mr Johnson said he had "stopped the clock ticking", allowing Mr McKinnon's legal team time to appeal to the European court of human rights.
The 43-year-old, who suffers from Asperger's syndrome, was recently refused permission to take his case to the newly formed supreme court.
US authorities claim he hacked into 97 computers and caused almost £500,000 worth of damage. Mr McKinnon, however, claims he was simply looking for information on UFOs.
He faces up to 60 years in prison if tried and found guilty in the US.
Mr Johnson will appear in front of the Commons home affairs committee at 17:00 GMT.