Oral Answers to Questions

Marcus Jones Excerpts

Tuesday 15th May 2012 Commons Chamber

[Harriett Baldwin (West Worcestershire) (Con)]

8. What assessment he has made of progress in reforming the operation of the European Court of Human Rights; and if he will make a statement.

[Mr Marcus Jones (Nuneaton) (Con)]

19. What assessment he has made of progress in reforming the operation of the European Court of Human Rights; and if he will make a statement.

--- Later in debate ---

[Mr Vara]

My hon. Friend makes a very good point. Under the Brighton declaration, we have agreed a framework for longer term reform, with built-in review points up until 2019, to give impetus to the measures proposed under the Brighton declaration and to consider whether further measures are needed. We will, of course, continue to monitor progress.

[Mr Marcus Jones]

One of the problems with the European Court is its huge backlog of cases. What does my hon. Friend think the Government can do to reform the Court so that frivolous cases are not brought and the only cases brought are those of the nature of serious human rights breaches?

[Mr Vara]

This is a major issue. The measures agreed under the Brighton declaration will make a big difference once implemented. More cases should be resolved at the national level, which should mean that fewer cases are considered by the Court. Where cases go to Strasbourg, the Court should be able to focus more on the important cases and do so more quickly.