Freedoms and Civil Liberties Debate

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Department: Home Office

Freedoms and Civil Liberties

Lord Condon Excerpts
Thursday 8th July 2010

(13 years, 10 months ago)

Lords Chamber
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Baroness Neville-Jones Portrait Baroness Neville-Jones
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My Lords, the noble Lord refers to yesterday’s ruling from the Supreme Court. I think that vindicates the position of the coalition Government. We do not intend to remove people from this country and send them home expecting them to hide their sexuality to avoid persecution. We will certainly be looking to protect people’s rights in that respect. I entirely accept that the European convention is part of the framework of human rights in this country, but it is also interpreted by British legislation.

Lord Condon Portrait Lord Condon
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My Lords, does the Minister agree that when your Lordships next consider legislation in this area, it will be important to recalibrate the balance between, on the one hand, enabling the police and security services to work effectively and, on the other, not creating the impression of counterproductive legislation which encourages extremism and martyrdom?

Baroness Neville-Jones Portrait Baroness Neville-Jones
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I think the House would endorse the sentiments just expressed by the noble Lord.