Following the extradition to the US of retired businessman Christopher Tappin over allegations of selling batteries for missiles to Iran, his MP Jo Johnson has said it is "unfair" to blame the government.

His party, the Conservatives, promised while in opposition to reform the UK/US extradition treaty.

Yet after an independent review carried out by Sir Scott Baker, which found there was no need for reform, Prime Minister David Cameron has said there will now be "a proper, sober, thoughtful" review.

But this is too late for the Tappin family, who want to redress the treaty.

Now following Mr Johnson's comments in last week's News Shopper, Mr Tappin's daughter Georgina Raeburn has written this letter to him.

Dear Mr Johnson,

I am very disappointed to read that you are recently quoted as having said "I don't think it's fair to blame the government. It was the last government that introduced the treaty. David Cameron has to follow certain processes. He can't throw out an international treaty without any regard to process."

Am I mistaken in thinking it was a pre-election promise to your electorate to reform the 2003 UK/US Extradition Treaty?

Am I mistaken in thinking the coalition has been in government for nearly two years now?

If you wish to talk about "fairness" perhaps you'd like to address how fair it is that this treaty is still being applied to UK citizens when the recent extradition debate in the Commons resulted in our elected MPs voting for urgent review and reform?

Or perhaps you'd like to address how "fair" a trial he may get in the US? The country he is to be tried in has a record for plea bargaining or making defendants wait up to four years for trial. Any witnesses he has are too scared to go over to the US and testify in person and US courts won't allow video evidence or cross-examination. Never mind the fact that the excessive cost of a trial makes it prohibitive in any case.

Is it "fair" that there has been no "regard to process" in terms of testing, or even viewing, of the evidence in my dad's case as the treaty does not afford it?

And finally, is it "fair" that I cannot visit, or even speak to, my dad for who knows how many years? Is that fair on me? I understand that reviews take time.

I understand that repealing or amending legislation is something to be undertaken seriously and thoroughly. But before you next talk about "fairness" to the government on this subject, please spare a thought for those people actually affected by the piece of legislation your party promised, and has thus far failed, to reform.

It is wholly fair to blame this government for its lack of action.

Mr Cameron and Ms May had their opportunity to put a stop to my dad’s extradition, and for others in a similar position, whilst a "proper, sober, thoughtful review NEEDS to take place."

They chose to take no action whatsoever, hiding behind a rubber-stamping judicial process and staggeringly ill-concluded report from Sir Scott Baker.

I sincerely hope the people of Orpington read your quote and are as equally disappointed as myself, my mum and brother, let alone all your constituents who know and support my dad.

Yours sincerely,

Georgina Raeburn (nee Tappin)

Jo Johnson made the following response.

Dear Ms Raeburn,

I was sorry to receive your message this morning, although I understand the anger and frustration you and your family are feeling at your father's extradition.

It has been my concern for Mr Tappin and his family that made me raise his case with the Prime Minister at PMQs last Wednesday (February 22) and to lobby the Home Secretary Theresa May in person on his behalf with respect to support for an eventual application for bail.

I'm sorry also that the government's ongoing review of the US-UK Extradition Treaty has not yet resulted in changes being made in time to help your father.

I realise it will be little consolation to you and your family, but I am keeping up the pressure here for this "proper, sober and thoughtful review" to be concluded as soon as possible - and for the treaty to be changed in light of its conclusions - so that the country can have much greater confidence that this is a fair treaty to the individuals and families affected by it.

Yours sincerely,

Jo Johnson
Conservative MP for Orpington

Christopher Tappin was on Monday refused bail by a US judge.

The decision means the 65-year-old, from Farnborough Park, Orpington, is likely to remain behind bars awaiting trial.

He will have to prepare his defence by communicating with his lawyers, who are appealing the decision, through a plastic screen.

Mr Tappin denies the charges and could face up to 35 years in prison if convicted.