A “one-sided” extradition treaty that could see a computer hacker from Palmers Green facing justice in America needs reviewing, says MPs.

The Commons Home Affairs Select Committee has warned there is a lack of public confidence in arrangements between the UK and USA, fuelled by the case of Gary McKinnon.

It says this “will translate into wider disaffection” if the treaty is not reviewed.

Mr McKinnon, 46, who suffers from Asperger's syndrome, is wanted by US prosecutors for hacking into sensitive Government and military databases between 2001 and 2002. He claims he was looking for information on UFOs.

His supporters have long argued he should face justice in the UK, and extradition to America would be a breach of his human rights, given his health condition.

MPs have called for an overhaul of the current 2003 treaty, saying judges should decide where cases are heard. It has also recommended an initial test of someone's guilt, and the treaty's text changed to ensure it is balanced.

Keith Vaz, the committee's chairman, said: “The treaty is unbalanced, making it easier to extradite a British citizen to the USA than vice versa. The cases of Gary McKinnon, Richard O'Dwyer and Christopher Tappin have highlighted public concern these arrangements are one-sided.

“Prosecutors must be required to produce evidence in support of an extradition request and the accused should have the right to challenge that evidence in court.

"British citizens should also be given the opportunity to face trial in the UK. This would save both time and money.”

The report comes two weeks after US President Barack Obama agreed to top-level talks with Prime Minister David Cameron on the treaty in a meeting in Washington.

Last month his mother, Janis Sharp, joined Enfield Southgate MP David Burrowes and other campaigners to hand poems written by supporters to Downing Street.

In a statement, the Home Office said: “We thank the Home Affairs Committee for its report on extradition. We will consider the detail of the report and respond shortly.”