European Convention on Human Rights (Hansard, 28 November 2000)

HC Deb 28 November 2000 vol 357 c541W 541W

§ Ms Jenny Jones
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what his policy is on protocol 12 of the European Convention on Human Rights. [140333]

§ Mr. McNamara
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs when the Government intends to sign Protocol XII of the European Convention on Human Rights; for what reason it did not sign it at the celebrations of the 50^th anniversary of the Convention; and if he will make a statement. [140521]

§ Mr. Hain
The Government have no plans at present to sign Protocol 12 of the European Convention on Human Rights. Among other concerns, the Government believe that the scope of issues which could be brought to the European Court for binding decision under Protocol 12 is unacceptably open-ended and uncertain. Once the Protocol comes into force, the Government will follow carefully how it is interpreted by the European Court to see if our concerns are allayed.