I’m not an expert on extradition, but based on the initial hearing, it sounds like both the UK courts and the UK government have to approve the extradition requ

I’m not an expert on extradition, but based on the initial hearing, it sounds like both the UK courts and the UK government have to approve the extradition request. I believe that negotiating with the government is expected, and coordination on that side of things is definitely likely. However, coordinating with the judge without Assange’s lawyers would be highly inappropriate. It wouldn’t surprise me if the appropriate government minister offered legal help in drafting the court documents, but I don’t think it would go beyond that.