Armed Services: War Crimes Debate

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Department: Ministry of Justice

Armed Services: War Crimes

Lord Vinson Excerpts
Tuesday 1st March 2016

(8 years, 8 months ago)

Lords Chamber
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Lord Faulks Portrait Lord Faulks
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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 Portrait Lord Vinson (Con)
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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 Portrait Lord Faulks
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I am grateful to my noble friend. We are aware of that and it is a matter that shall be taken into consideration.