Armed Services: War Crimes

Debate between Lord Faulks and Lord Vinson

Tuesday 1st March 2016 Lords Chamber

[Lord Faulks]

I am sure that the noble Lord will not have forgotten the margin of appreciation. Provided our British Bill of Rights respects the European convention but tailors it to suit the particular challenges that the military faces, it is likely that Strasbourg will respect our interpretation. Of course, we will continue to protect human rights under any regime that exists, and also to respect our international humanitarian law obligations.

[Lord Vinson (Con)]

My Lords, is the Minister aware that the French, much earlier on, exempted their armed forces from prosecution under the Human Rights Act, so we would be following an excellent precedent?

[Lord Faulks]

I am grateful to my noble friend. We are aware of that and it is a matter that shall be taken into consideration.