Western Isles MSP, Alasdair Allan, has expressed “serious concern” that the UK Government are discussing removing “hard fought for human rights”, following recent comments from Tory Justice Secretary Chris Grayling.
Alasdair Allan commented:
“Although the media sometimes talk about the European Convention on Human Rights as if it was some kind of a threat, the fact is it is the nearest we presently have to a constitutional right to basic freedoms such as freedom of speech and freedom of worship.
“As I understand it, what the Tories are currently looking at is demanding the right for Westminster politicians to overrule any ruling by the European Courts of Human Rights which they don’t happen to like. That would effectively render these rights meaningless, as they would be subject to veto by politicians at any time.
“Ironically this would threaten in the longer term Scotland’s membership of bodies like the Council of Europe, and even the EU. I don’t know where the UK Government is headed on these issues but it certainly isn’t headed there with the consent of Scotland’s elected Government.
“Rights like freedom of speech, thought and worship should be there for everyone – politicians should not get to pick and choose which court rulings they want to see stand.”
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Hebrides Today brings you the latest news from the Western Isles
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