§ 49. Mr. Andrew Mackinlay (Thurrock)What recent representations she has received calling for reform of the judicial function of the Privy Council; and if she will make a statement. [118175]
§ The Parliamentary Secretary, Privy Council Office (Mr. Paddy Tipping)Apart from questions from the hon. Gentleman, no representations about the Judicial Committee have been received.
§ Mr. MackinlayI am pleased to be the first. Will the Minister reflect on the fact that we host, largely fund and appoint members of the Judicial Committee of the Privy Council, who can and still do preside over matters of life and death, and who have given the green light to executions in other jurisdictions around the world? That contravenes our obligations under the European convention on human rights. If the Minister says, "Ah, but they are dealing only with matters of law", I remind him that the House has decided that capital punishment is both unlawful and repugnant. It cannot therefore be right that we continue to host, appoint and fund the Judicial Committee under the present arrangements. Will the Minister reconsider the matter?
§ Mr. TippingThe hon. Gentleman described himself as first—for a moment, I thought that he would say "unique". He has his own style. He has asked questions about the matter, and he well knows the answer. The Judicial Committee acts on behalf of other states. It is up to the other states to decide whether they want to change the way in which they deal with these matters.