Written question asked by Lord Judd (Labour), in the House of Lords. It was answered by Lord West of Spithead (Labour) on Monday, 21 April 2008.

Torture

Question: asked Her Majesty's Government:What actions they are taking, with reference to the comments submitted by them to the public hearing in Strasbourg on 11 July 2007, to ensure that their anti-terrorism and torture policy is in accordance with the judgment of the European Court of Human Rights in the case of Saadi v Italy on 28 February.

Answer: In its judgment in Saadi v Italy, the Grand Chamber of the European Court of Human Rights reaffirmed the existing Article 3 case law, which was set out in Chahal v the UK. We are satisfied that our counterterrorism policy and practices are consistent with that case law. We will not deport someone where there are substantial grounds for believing that there is a real risk they will face torture or other inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment, or that the death penalty would be applied in their case. We believe that our policy on torture is clear and consistent with case law from the European Court of Human Rights. We unreservedly condemn the use of torture, and we work hard with our international partners to eradicate this abhorrent practice.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 700 c269-70WA; 2814
Session: 2007-08
Subjects: Crime prevention Deportation Judgements European Court of Human Rights Terrorism Torture
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk