§ Lord Swinfenasked Her Majesty's Government:
What decisions they have taken about the UK's adherence to the European Convention on Human Rights.
§ Baroness Chalker of WallaseyWe have decided to renew for five years our acceptance of the two optional articles of the European Convention on Human Rights, which expires for the United Kingdom on 13 January 1996. Individuals will therefore continue to be able to bring cases under Article 25 (the right of individual petition), and the Government will continue to accept the jurisdiction of the European Court of Human Rights under Article 46. The United Kingdom first accepted these articles in 1966. They have been renewed simultaneously for consecutive periods of five years for the last 20 years.
We will also initiate discussions with other members of the Council of Europe, and its institutions, on the need for changes in the way the convention system works. The Government have a number of practical proposals to put forward. We will pursue them vigorously. We believe they will be welcomed widely.