NatWest Three decision delayed again

THREE former City bankers accused of a fraud involving the disgraced energy firm Enron will be told in court today that the Home Office is putting off a decision on their extradition to the US for another two months.

It will be the third time the Government has postponed the decision in what is seen as a sign of the case's growing political sensitivity.

'What they are doing today smacks of both political and moral cowardice close to the election,' said one source close to the men. The Home Office's stated reason is understood to be that it needs more time to consider extra paperwork delivered by the Americans in January.

David Bermingham, Giles Darby and Gary Mulgrew, known as the 'NatWest Three', are fighting extradition to Texas for their part in an alleged conspiracy with Enron to defraud their former employer, Greenwich NatWest. The men argue that since they are British, and the vast majority of the alleged fraud took place on British territory, they should be prosecuted here.

Extradition was approved by a magistrate last year. However, Home Secretary Charles Clarke must also give his consent before the men can be sent off. Clarke's predecessor, David Blunkett, had promised to decide the matter by 15 December. Clarke postponed it to 15 February, then to 29 March, and is today expected to apply in the High Court for a further postponement, to 24 May or later.