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Terrorism: Crime Prevention

Volume 461: debated on Tuesday 12 June 2007

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) what consideration he has given to the compatibility of proposed changes to counter-terrorism legislation with Article 6 of the European Convention on Human Rights; (141216)

(2) what representations he has received on the conformity with Article 6 of the European Convention on Human Rights of the changes he is preparing to propose to anti-terrorism legislation.

The European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR) is a binding international agreement that enshrines fundamental civil and political rights. The Human Rights Act 1998 incorporates ECHR into UK law.

My right hon. Friend the Home Secretary announced on 7 June 2007, Official Report, column 421, the Government’s intention to bring forward a Bill later this year. We are currently embarking on a wide ranging consultation to determine what measures should go into the Bill. Development of the new Counter Terrorism Bill therefore remains at an early stage.

Consideration of the impact of legislation on the European Convention on Human Rights will be considered as part of the consultation process. Prior to introduction of any Bill into Parliament a memorandum will be produced setting out the Bill's compatibility with the Convention rights, and a written statement on compatibility will be made to each House.