Clarke hits out over ECHR rulings

Justice Secretary Kenneth Clarke has hit out at the readiness of the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) to ignore the decisions of domestic legal systems.

As ministers prepare to consider the future of the ECHR at a Council of Europe conference, Mr Clarke warned that the Strasbourg-based court had, at times, “been rather too ready to substitute its own judgment for that of national courts”.

There has been growing criticism in the UK over the role of the ECHR, with claims that it is assuming a legislative function beyond its powers.

Opponents of its influence highlighted the court’s ruling that the UK’s blanket ban on prisoners voting was unlawful as an example of how things have gone too far, prompting the Government to announce that the case for a British Bill of Rights will be considered by experts.

Malcolm Underhill, partner and specialist personal injury solicitor at IBB, acknowledges that ”whilst there are occasions when Europe can be criticised for interfering with domestic legal systems, it is also true that Europe has been a force for good.

“One of the reasons for the decline in accidents at work, and particularly fatal accidents, are European Directives, which have ensured that systems of work are significantly improved, for the benefit of all workers.”

IBB Solicitors has built a reputation for quality of service in pursuing compensation in cases involving accident, illness or death. If you would like advice on personal injury issues, you can contact a member of IBB’s Personal Injury team, call us on 08456 381 381 or email enquiries@ibblaw.co.uk.