Prisoners: Voting

Lord Maclennan of Rogart Excerpts

Wednesday 9th June 2010 Lords Chamber

[Lord McNally]

I am not sure that it has support in the editorial columns of the Daily Express or the Daily Mail, but in the broader general public there is a willingness to consider the experience of other countries, both in rehabilitation of prisoners and the kind of punishment meted to them. We will report to the September meeting, and the contributions of this House—both from my noble friend and from the noble Lord, Lord Ramsbotham, I hope—will be taken into consideration.

[Lord Maclennan of Rogart]

My Lords—

[Lord Grocott]

My Lords—

--- Later in debate ---

[Lord McNally]

I am well aware that that is one consideration before Ministers at the moment, but it is one of a wide variety of considerations.

[Lord Maclennan of Rogart]

My Lords—

[Lord Grocott]

My Lords—

[Baroness Anelay of St Johns]

My Lords, I accept that there is great expertise and a great interest in this subject. We have already heard from the opposition Benches. May we hear from the Liberal Democrats?

[Lord Maclennan of Rogart]

In reaching their conclusions, will the Government bear in mind that we should in no way give the impression to the less well informed members of the public that we can pick and choose which rulings of the European Court of Human Rights to implement as the Executive determine?