To ask Her Majesty's Government whether they have submitted any observations in response to the judgment of the European Court of Human Rights in Taxquet v Belgium (application 926/05); and, if so, what view they have taken on future jury trial arrangements. [HL1974]

The Government were given permission to intervene in the case of Taxquet on 27 July 2009 and made written submissions to the Grand Chamber on 15 September. The Government submitted that the fundamental principle of United Kingdom law that jury deliberations are absolutely privileged and juries are not required to give reasons for their verdicts is in accordance with the requirements of Article 6 of the European Convention on Human Rights.

When the Grand Chamber gives its judgment on the application we will consider any implications for jury trial arrangements.