SIR – Re “Human Rights Act has go to go”, Bryan Hanson’s letter of Saturday, May 30. I normally respect Mr Hanson’s views, but not on this!
We hear such calls from those on the right in particular. In what way do these people think that a British Bill of Rights would differ from the European Convention, (originally drawn up by British Lawyers with the backing of Winston Churchill)?
Many complaints about the Convention, (incorporated into domestic law), revolve around its interpretation. For example: “A” cannot be deported “because he has a right to a family life”. I’m pretty sure the Convention doesn’t say that “A” has a right to a family life HERE.
A British Bill of Rights would almost certainly be as open to misinterpretation as the current Act, (which we could surely amend if that were deemed necessary), and unless we withdraw from the ECHR altogether, I believe that we would still be subject to its jurisdiction.
If we don’t respect and support Human Rights, how can we expect others to?
John Hall, Penithorne Avenue, Baildon
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