Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Andrew Bridgen and Dominic Raab

Tuesday 8th March 2016 Commons Chamber

[Andrew Bridgen]

Does my hon. Friend agree that it is totally unacceptable for the British taxpayer to be paying for foreign criminals?

[Mr Raab]

My hon. Friend is right. We have a range of existing measures, as well as the new action I have just described. The early release scheme allows for the early removal of foreign national offenders. We remove about 1,800 prisoners per year under that scheme and there are also prisoner transfer agreements. Overall, 29,000 FNOs have been removed between 2010 and 2015.

Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Andrew Bridgen and Dominic Raab

Tuesday 8th September 2015 Commons Chamber

[Mr Raab]

My hon. Friend is absolutely right. We want to protect fundamental rights, but we do not want to see them distorted by judicial legislation or abused by serious and serial criminals. Above all, we do not want to see human rights become dirty words in the minds of the public. That is what the Human Rights Act led to; our Bill of Rights will restore some balance.

[Andrew Bridgen (North West Leicestershire) (Con)]

Will the Minister settle the nerves of some Members of this House by confirming that human rights existed in this country before the Human Rights Act and will continue to exist after the repeal of that Act?

[Mr Raab]

My hon. Friend is absolutely right. The convention already reflects a huge amount of the common law tradition but, as he says, Britain was a member of the convention and had a long tradition of respect for human rights before the Human Rights Act, and we shall have after it.

Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Andrew Bridgen and Dominic Raab

Tuesday 23rd June 2015 Commons Chamber

[Mr Raab]

We said very clearly that we shall deliver it in this Parliament. We shall have a consultation in this Session so our plans will be brought forward shortly.

[Andrew Bridgen (North West Leicestershire) (Con)]

Does my hon. Friend agree that this country has had a proud tradition with regard to human rights, and it will remain a central part of what we do to promote best practice around the world, but in the end, the country’s commitment to human rights will be judged on its actions, not merely the piece of paper it happens to have signed?

[Mr Raab]

My hon. Friend is absolutely right. We have a strong record on human rights. We will continue to set an example around the world, but in our own domestic laws we do need to make sure that we have a common-sense balance. It is not a left or right issue; it is what the public expect as a matter of common sense.