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


Voting by Prisoners

My hon. Friend is much more learned than I am, and he makes an interesting point. Finally, I shall touch on the mechanics of giving prisoners the vote. How will we do it? Will we canvass prison cells? Will we knock on each door and ask, ““What can we do to get you to vote for us?”” Might murders and rapists affect the outcome of an election in a marginal seat? It sounds ridiculous and it is ridiculous. It is also completely unworkable. Surely our criminal justice system if for us and us alone. During the election, we promised a British Bill of Rights that would balance a citizen's rights more carefully with their responsibilities. It is time that we replaced the European convention on human rights. As one of the oldest democracies on Earth, I think we can be trusted to look after our citizens.


Secondary information

Type
Proceeding contribution
Reference
523 c581 
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