Council of Europe

Ms. Chamberlain supported Mr. Howell's stance on Russia's expulsion from the Council of Europe and expressed concern about potential UK exit from the organisation, emphasising that it is not a company the UK should seek to keep.

Ms. Hart agreed with Mr. Howell's assertion that the UK remains a European country despite Brexit, highlighting the importance of maintaining relationships and leading discussions on common issues within Europe through the Council of Europe.

Ms. Bardell acknowledged Mr. Howell's support for the work of the Council of Europe but noted that negative narratives around Brexit have impacted perceptions of Europe, urging collaboration to promote understanding and importance of the organisation.

Mr. Stewart asked about the practical influence the UK has on Turkey when faced with human rights issues, questioning if there is more power beyond publicising wrongdoings within the Council of Europe framework.

Mr. Corbyn thanked Mr. Howell for his leadership and work with the delegation, focusing on encouraging national Parliaments to take seriously declarations from the Council of Europe that could strengthen environmental protection laws.

Mr. Corbyn commended the work of the delegation and highlighted the lack of understanding about the Council of Europe among the public. He also emphasised the importance of responding publicly to issues coming from the Council of Europe, similar to how Select Committee reports are addressed. Mr. Corbyn also mentioned his 40-year tenure in Parliament and thanked the people of Islington North for their continuous support. Additionally, he discussed the declaration that came out of the Reykjavik summit, focusing on its impact on Russia's exit from the Council of Europe and its implications for human rights protection across Europe. He reiterated his condemnation of the Russian invasion of Ukraine but also stressed the importance of the Council in potential future peace processes. Mr. Corbyn emphasised the role of the European Convention on Human Rights and the European Court of Human Rights, highlighting that the UK was an early signatory and had a significant part in its establishment.

Congratulates the delegation group leader for securing today’s debate on the Council of Europe, emphasises the importance of the organisation in upholding democracy, human rights and the rule of law. Highlights the UK's role in supporting Ukraine and addressing issues such as illegal migration and natural disasters through international cooperation. Mentions personal experiences and contributions to refugee support schemes.

Congratulates the hon. Member for Henley on securing the debate, highlights the importance of cross-party collaboration in the Council of Europe delegation, and emphasises the role of the organisation in promoting democracy, human rights, and rule of law since World War II. She notes that while some MPs have concerns about the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR), the UK's continued involvement is crucial. Antoniazzi also mentions her personal experiences as a member of the delegation and references recent work on protecting human rights in sport and addressing violence against women, thanking key players for their contributions.

Praised her colleague, John Howell, for securing the debate and highlighted the importance of the Council of Europe as a human rights organisation. She emphasised the UK's founding role in establishing the Council and its continued significance post-Brexit. Noted the council's influence on improving human rights, democracy, and respect for the rule of law across 46 member states. Discussed her recent appointment to the UK delegation and participation in debates on gender-based violence, underlining the relevance of such issues amidst conflicts like Ukraine. Emphasised the Council’s role in addressing war crimes and sexual violence during conflicts, sharing details from Ukrainian investigators about atrocities committed by Russian forces. Advocated for the Istanbul convention against violence towards women as a cornerstone treaty. Highlighted the UK's strategy on preventing conflict-related sexual violence and called for global support to protect women's rights.

During an intervention, emphasised the importance of educating young boys about gender-based violence as a key measure in addressing violence against women. He supported Nickie Aiken’s point that education for both girls and boys is crucial to prevent such issues.

Expressed gratitude to John Howell for securing the debate and acknowledged his leadership in the UK delegation. Stated that joining the Council of Europe broadened his horizons, improved understanding of fundamental laws, democracy, and human rights. Highlighted the importance of cross-party collaboration on the Council and noted the support from Nick Wright and Silvia Arzilli's team. Emphasised the continued relevance of the UK's membership in the Council despite leaving the EU and the impact it has had on his approach to refugees and human rights issues.

Mr. Simmonds discussed the importance of the Council of Europe in managing migration and asylum, highlighting its founding principles and current challenges. He emphasised that judges are elected by parliamentarians, showcasing a high degree of accountability. He also touched upon the role of election monitoring and the Venice Commission's recommendations on voter ID laws. Mr. Simmonds noted Russia’s influence within the organisation and expressed pride in the UK's role in upholding human rights standards.

Expressed gratitude towards the UK delegation and highlighted the importance of the Council of Europe in maintaining human rights and democracy. Emphasised her personal journey as a queer, working-class individual from a single-parent family becoming a member of the SNP delegation to the Council of Europe. Mentioned her work on drug control policies and expressed hope for more effective measures against Russian sanctions. Critiqued UK’s response to the EU's human rights principles, particularly regarding the expulsion of Russia. Stressed the importance of continued membership in the Council of Europe.

The Council of Europe plays a crucial role in safeguarding democracy, human rights, and the rule of law across Europe. Mr Doughty emphasised the importance of practical responses like the establishment of a register of loss and damage regarding Russia's invasion of Ukraine. He called for support on seizing Russian state assets and deepening sanctions legislation. Additionally, he stressed the significance of the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR) and expressed concerns about the Government’s reservation on ratifying article 59 of the Istanbul convention which protects women from domestic abuse and violence.

The Minister congratulated John Howell and other members of the UK delegation on their excellent work promoting the Council of Europe. He acknowledged the importance of upholding democratic values and human rights, especially in light of Russia's invasion of Ukraine. The Minister highlighted the UK’s role in establishing the Reykjavik principles of democracy and its commitment to international treaties like the ECHR and AI-related initiatives at the Council.

Nigel Evans thanked John Howell for his contributions and acknowledged the honour of being a member of the Council of Europe. He emphasised the importance of the institution's work in upholding democratic values and human rights.

In closing, John Howell thanked everyone for their contributions to the debate and expressed appreciation for the unanimous support shown by all sides of the House for the Council of Europe's work.