European Union and Human Rights

HL Deb 19 May 1995 vol 564 cc45-6WA

Lord Finsberg

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether they will make it their policy to support the inclusion in any treaty arising from the 1996 European Inter-Governmental Conference of a specific recognition of the role of the Council of Europe in the field of human rights.

Baroness Chalker of Wallasey

Article F of the Maastricht Treaty already contains a reference to the need for the European Union to respect fundamental rights, as guaranteed by the Council of Europe Convention for the Protection of Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms. In addition, Article 230 of the Treaty of Rome enables the Community to establish appropriate forms of co-operation with the Council of Europe. We see no need for a further reference to the Council of Europe in the Community treaties, but will consider carefully any proposals which are made.