6 April 2005

David T. Johnson
Acting Ambassador and Charge d' Affaires Embassy of the United States of America
24 Grosvenor Square
London W1A 1AE

Dear Mr Johnson

CHANTAL McCORKLE, FCI DUBLIN, CALIFORNIA

I am writing, as the Member of Parliament for Chantal McCorkle's mother and step father, Diane and Len Forrester, just before the end of this Parliament, to remind you of the concern which many Members of the UK Parliament feel about the continued incarceration of Chantal McCorkle, a British citizen serving a sentence of over 24 years in the United States. Six weeks ago, I discussed her plight with colleagues again and an Early Day Motion was tabled in Parliament; in that short time, it has gained the support of 126 Members from all major political parties. I attach a copy of the list and the motion they have signed; you will know that Ministers do not sign EDMs so others who support Chantal's appeal and her return to be nearer her family were unable to add their names.

I hope that you can pass on our views to the United States Department of Justice and that you may be able to take some action to expedite Chantal's appeal. After the cases of Blakely and Booker, there is a real chance that the US legal system may recognise the injustice of Chantal's sentencing and she and her family hope that this may be done as soon as possible.

Thank you for any help you can give on this.

Yours sincerely,

(Fiona Mactaggart)