Skip to main content

Proceeding contribution from Chris Bryant (Labour) in the House of Commons on Thursday, 10 February 2011. It occurred during Backbench debate on Voting by Prisoners.


Voting by Prisoners

I hope that the hon. Gentleman does not mind if I do not give way, because others want to speak and I ought to be drawing my comments to a close. Would it be sufficient for the Government to present proposals—[Interruption.] I would be grateful if the Attorney-General would listen, just briefly. Would it be sufficient for the Government to present proposals—introduce legislation—but for Parliament not to agree them? Would that, in some sense, satisfy the Court? What do the Government believe will happen if the House supports the motion this afternoon? How have the Government arrived at the compensation figure? Previously it has been said that £160 million-worth of compensation will be entailed, but I gather that last night the media were briefed that the compensation figure will be £143 million. I understand that that has been arrived at on the basis not of the Attorney-General's legal advice, but of advice given to the Government by others. Will that be published? Can he explain how the compensation would be enforced, given that all applications for compensation to the county court should surely be struck out by dint of section 6(2) of the Human Rights Act 1998, which reinforces parliamentary sovereignty? Indeed, is there not a claim in the High Court today from the Treasury solicitor to that effect?


Secondary information

Type
Proceeding contribution
Reference
523 c525-6 
Session
2010-12
Chamber / Committee
House of Commons chamber
Subjects
Compensation Human rights Judgements European Court of Human Rights Prisoners Voting rights
Link
View this Proceeding contribution on www.publications.parliament.uk