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 Mr Nick Hancock
Sir: Bill Cash's alternative leader on the topic of the European Court of Human Rights perfectly illustrates the need for that court - and, indeed, for the Convention on Human Rights to be incorporated into our domestic law. When he complains about awards in favour of avowed terrorists and convicted drug traffickers, he fails to appreciate that, however odious they may seem to us, they too have rights. It was to protect these rights after the excesses of the Second World War that the convention was drawn up.
Mr Cash is afraid of judges making politically motivated decisions; he does not appreciate that judges are guided, for the most part, by the law. Their constitutional function is to protect against politically motivated decisions - particularly those of politicians themselves. It is when political or public pressure is greatest that independent financial scrutiny is most needed. Maybe this was why the Government has recently had so many run-ins with the courts, both domestic and international.
Yours faithfully,
Nick Hancock
Solicitor
Scarcroft, West Yorkshire
29 September
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments