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Proceeding contribution from William Cash (Conservative) in the House of Commons on Tuesday, 6 May 2008. It occurred during Debate on bill on Criminal Justice and Immigration Bill.


Criminal Justice and Immigration Bill

I rather sensed that that was the case. No doubt the hon. Gentleman, coming from Oxford, will share the same opinions as those of Richard Dawkins on religious matters. The fact remains that some people have profound beliefs, and they should be entitled to express them. Equally, freedom of speech is intrinsic to our liberties—far more so than the concatenations of the Human Rights Act 1998, which presents vast amounts of legalese to support principles that most people understand in normal parlance and by way of common sense. We have a reputation for tolerance and fair-mindedness as a country, so we do not need the Human Rights Act in order to improve something that is natural to the people of this country. That is all I need to say. I believe profoundly in free speech and I thoroughly endorse the views expressed by Conservative Members.


Secondary information

Type
Proceeding contribution
Reference
475 c622 
Session
2007-08
Chamber / Committee
House of Commons chamber
Subjects
Disclosure of information Data protection Criminal proceedings Crime Crimes against the person Blasphemy Legal profession Incitement Legal opinion Freedom of expression Police Pay Powers Prisons Magistrates' courts Sentencing Training Religion Sexuality HM Prison Service Community orders Suspended sentences Homophobia
Legislation
Criminal Justice and Immigration Bill 2006-07 to 2007-08
Link
View this Proceeding contribution on www.publications.parliament.uk