LETTERS: Human rights, British politicians and the European Court
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.From Ms Sarah Hipperson
Sir: Colin Brown's article "Britain could quit convention" (29 September) confirms my understanding that some of Her Majesty's ministers only have respect for the law when it enables them to carry out their political policies; when the law gets in their way they simply ignore it, leaving the injured parties to seek relief through the courts.
Michael Howard seems to have the same tendency to go beyond his ministerial powersthat Michael Heseltine has. Both have had to be brought into line by the courts on numerous occasions.
When Mr Heseltine was Secretary of State for Defence he made by-laws for Greenham Common in 1985, producing invalid law in excess of his law- making power. It took a long four-year journey through the courts before he was brought into line. Lord Lowry noted in the judgment that
It is up to the law-maker to keep within his powers and it is in the public interest that he should take care in order that the public may be able to rely on the written word as representing the law.
If Her Majesty's Government attempts to deny her citizens access to the European courts, there should be an outcry from all who value the right to call to account ministers like Messrs Howard and Heseltine who go beyond the limits of their powers.
Yours sincerely,
Sarah Hipperson
Women's Peace Camp
Greenham Common
Berkshire
2 October
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments