David Cameron calls for reform of European court of human rights

[alp227]

David Cameron is to warn that the European court of human rights is in danger of turning into a "small claims court" that fails to deal with serious violations of human rights, unless it embarks on reforms.

Amid anger in Britain at last week's decision of the court to block the deportation of the Islamist cleric Abu Qatada to Jordan, the prime minister will on Wednesday accuse the court of undermining its reputation by unnecessarily overturning judgments reached in credible national courts.

In a speech to the parliamentary assembly of the Council of Europe in Strasbourg, Cameron will say the ECHR has a "once-in-a-generation" opportunity to reform its work to ensure it focuses on the original intentions of its founding fathers – upholding human rights across the European continent.

The court enforces the European convention on human rights, drafted in 1950 by the Council of Europe, which is designed to ensure universal human rights across Europe. The council has 47 members and is separate from the 27-strong EU.

full: http://www.guardian.co.uk/law/2012/jan/25/david-cameron-reform-european-court

[sabrina 1]

1. He's got to be kidding!

The UK government privately believes the court should spend less time focusing on countries such as Britain, France and Germany, which have well-regarded legal systems and a strong record on human rights, and more time focusing on countries such as Russia and Ukraine with less impressive records. Russia accounts for 26.6% of the backlog at the court. Cameron contrasts Britain's record with other Council of Europe member states, which face cases over extrajudicial killings and torture.


The prime minister will make clear that the court should focus on such violations, and will say Britain has a long and exemplary record on human rights. "Human rights is a cause that runs deep in the British heart and long in British history.

Has he forgotten Iraq already? Did Britain hold anyone accountable, Tony Blair, eg, for that slaughter and the torture of human beings in which they were involved?

And as for Britain's 'long and exemplary record on human rights', well, maybe we should talk to some of the victims of torture, from Northern Ireland eg. What a crock, he wants Britain to be treated differently from other countries.

Hey, Cameron, start with Tony Blair, give some justice to the Iraqi people.

[MichaelMcGuire]

2. hear hear

[MichaelMcGuire]

3. I have no problems with the European court of human rights

I believe its vital that anyone can take their case to the European court free from their current state.
There are reforms needed in the legal systems in the UK and I include Scottish legal system too, both need updating.

[bemildred]

4. Sniveling loser. nt

[T_i_B]

5. This proposal will probably keep right wing Euro-sceptics happy.

However, I don't see Cameron having any chance of success with this.