On Tuesday 15 December 2009, only 3 days ago, Lord Ramsbotham and other Lords providing support attempted to find out from the government why there has been a 5 year delay in legislating to give convicted prisoners the vote. The Lords in question were not satisfied with Lord Bachside's pathetic explanations on behalf of the government. And neither was I.
Last night I was conducting some research and came across this comment from Jack Straw made in December 3 years ago.
"Leader of the Commons Jack Straw told MPs yesterday: 'Speaking for myself and I think for all my colleagues we are wholly opposed to giving prisoners the right to vote.'
He said called the ruling by European judges 'interesting,' and emphasised that the Commons would have the final say".
Under Article 1 of the ECHR the UK has agreed to secure to everyone within its jurisdiction the human rights under the Convention.
The Department of State responsible for securing human rights in the UK for its citizens is the Ministry of Justice. The Secretary of State for Justice is Jack Straw. This is the same man who has made a public statement that he is wholly opposed to giving the human right to vote to covicted prisoners. He cannot be both for and against human rights. It displays a conflict of interest. If anybody in the private sector failed to adhere to their job description they would be dismissed. Why did Jack Straw take the job if he had no intention of acting responsibily?
Very interesting. Very good point. The man is named after what he's made of.
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