PM seeks human rights court reform
26th January 2012David Cameron has voiced concerns that there is “credible democratic anxiety” over some rulings made by the European Court of Human Rights.
Addressing the Council of Europe in Strasbourg, the Prime Minister said insufficient account is being taken of the decisions made by national parliaments on certain issues.
He made the claim as he launched a drive to reform the court in a bid to prevent it from meddling in British affairs, citing its decision over the right for prisoners to vote in elections as an example.
The PM warned the court’s work defending human freedom and dignity was being put “under threat” due to some of its decisions – including a recent ruling blocking the deportation of extremist cleric Abu Qatada – which he said were creating public unease and anger.
Although he said the UK would not turn away from a commitment to uphold human rights, he said where issues had been subjected to “reasoned democratic debate” and scrutinised by national courts in line with the European Convention on Human Rights, “the decision made at a national level should be treated with respect”.
We have one of the leading teams of criminal specialists in West London and the South East. If you are facing a serious criminal charge, you can contact a member of the IBB’s Criminal Defence team, call us on 08456 381 381 or email enquiries@ibblaw.co.uk.
