UK Minister Calls US Plan to Live-Stream Execution 'Disturbing'
Bridget Phillipson states opposition to death penalty as US confirms broadcast of Nidal Hasan's firing squad.
A British Cabinet minister has described the United States' plan to live-stream the execution of a terrorist as "disturbing," while acknowledging it is a matter for the U.S. government. Bridget Phillipson, chair of the Labour Party, stated that while Britain has a "long-standing" opposition to the death penalty, the decision rests with American authorities.
Secretary of War Pete Hegseth confirmed that the execution of former Army Major Nidal Hasan, convicted of murdering 13 people at Fort Hood in 2009, by firing squad on December 3 will be broadcast live. Hegseth indicated the broadcast is intended to show "serious consequences for these types of things."
Hasan, an Islamic extremist, opened fire on soldiers at a medical readiness building on the Texas military base in November 2009, shouting "Allahu Akbar." The attack resulted in 13 deaths and 32 wounded, making it the deadliest on a domestic U.S. military installation. Hasan, who was shot and paralyzed by law enforcement during the incident, was sentenced to death in 2013. He had stated during his trial that he attacked to protect Islamic and Taliban leaders and had "switched sides" in America's war with Islam.
Responding to the U.S. plan on BBC Radio 4's Today programme, Phillipson said, "It is not something that the British Government would routinely have a position on." She added, "The view of the Government is always that we are opposed to the death penalty."
Phillipson elaborated on her personal stance, stating, "I personally find that rather disturbing, is my honest reaction. I think you can have a system that provides clear consequences without... I am proud our country did away with the death penalty a very very long time ago."
When questioned about whether the UK Prime Minister should intervene, Phillipson reiterated that it is a U.S. domestic policy matter. "Does that mean that we support everything the U.S. Government does, no it doesn't," she stated, "But that is not for us to involve ourselves in what are ultimately questions of U.S. domestic policy."
Phillipson also noted the UK's longstanding commitment to opposing the death penalty globally, across governments of all political persuasions.
The planned live-streamed execution would be the first public execution in the U.S. since 1937, when convicted murderer Roscoe Jackson was hanged in Missouri. Since 1608, at least 144 civilian prisoners have been executed by shooting in America, predominantly in Utah, with only four such executions occurring since capital punishment resumed in 1977 after a decade-long pause.
