House of Commons · Westminster Hall
15 June 2022 · 12 other contributors · 13,386 words
Opened by John Howell Con Henley
Responding minister: Amanda Milling
Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.
John Howell raised concerns about council of europe in Westminster Hall. A government minister responded.
Key points
Key requests to Government
The lead MP asks the Government to provide more opportunities for debates on the Council of Europe in the main Chamber and to support the work of the delegation by facilitating meetings with Ministers when rapporteurs visit from the Council.
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said.
Opened the debate
The speaker is concerned about the lack of Government time for debates on the Council of Europe in the main Chamber and the need to raise its visibility. He highlights the importance of the Council's work, especially regarding Russia's expulsion, which left a financial deficit that needs filling. The speaker also emphasizes the role of conventions such as the Istanbul convention and the monitoring of countries like Turkey for compliance with human rights standards.
Alyn Smith expressed his deep connection to the Council of Europe, noting its importance in protecting citizens' legal rights against their own governments. He highlighted Scotland's desire for international cooperation and support for multilateralism. Smith criticized some Conservative members for undermining the work of the Council of Europe and warned about the potential consequences of withdrawing from such international frameworks. He also mentioned concerns over loose talk about breaking international law, especially regarding the Northern Ireland protocol.
Praised the Council of Europe's founding ideals and its contributions to stability, democracy, human rights, and the rule of law. Emphasised Winston Churchill's role in establishing institutions for cooperation. Mentioned his upcoming meeting in Strasbourg as a rapporteur on ethical, cultural, and educational challenges related to track and trace applications.
Edward Leigh highlighted the historical importance of the Council of Europe, emphasizing its role in welcoming new democratic states after the Soviet Union's dissolution. He expressed disappointment over Russia's expulsion and subsequent re-entry to the organization due to financial needs. Leigh urged for a focus on egregious human rights abuses rather than minor issues affecting Western democracies.
The Council of Europe remains important despite the expulsion of Russia due to its €33 million annual contribution. The UK has stepped up to address the financial shortfall, but all partners need to contribute as well. There is a recognition that the Council needs to evolve and discuss how it can change in the future.
The hon. Gentleman asked if the importance of fundamental values and the Council of Europe should be paramount, given that its mission is to empower those values in 47 countries. The speaker welcomed the debate, emphasised the importance of democracy, human rights, and the rule of law upheld by the Council of Europe, raised concerns about breaches of international law in Northern Ireland, questioned the Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Act 2022's compliance with conventions, and called for protection of judicial independence. Does the hon. Gentleman share my concern that critics of judges in the European Court of Human Rights lack legal expertise, and suggests having a Lord Chancellor for a sustained period to protect judicial independence? My hon. Friend asserts the credibility and importance of the statutory role of the Council of Europe's Court, warning that other countries failing to abide by its rules could collectively undermine fundamental values of human rights, democracy, and the rule of law.
The hon. Gentleman agreed that there is a problem with the lack of understanding about the role and importance of the Council of Europe, even among Members of this House, and suggested the need for a more active public relations initiative. Jeremy Corbyn supported the decision by the European Court of Human Rights to intervene when member states, including the UK, act outside the convention on human rights. He also emphasized the importance of engagement and support for human rights campaigners in countries like Turkey and Russia. My hon. Friend agrees that it is important to maintain contact with Russian human rights campaigners and activists through the Council of Europe, ensuring they feel supported despite their challenging circumstances.
Supporting the UK's role in the Council of Europe, Jim Shannon praised its commitment to democracy and human rights. He highlighted the expulsion of Russia and suspension of Belarus as positive actions for unity and noted the Council's impact on domestic violence legislation. Shannon also mentioned questions around the Northern Ireland Troubles Bill and encouraged youth leadership training within the UK.
He briefly mentioned Lord Foulkes. Asked if the hon. Member for Rochdale (Tony Lloyd) agreed that the Court needed reform, particularly regarding issues like prisoner voting which many consider a political question.
The speaker congratulated his colleague on securing the debate, expressed concern that some in Parliament do not understand the Council of Europe's significance, highlighted its work with Russian Federation and Ukraine, and called for recognition of the role played by Chris Yvon as permanent representative. A knee-jerk reaction against the European Convention on Human Rights or European Court of Justice would be a grave mistake, highlighting the importance of maintaining respect for human rights institutions.
He emphasised the importance of the Council of Europe in protecting human rights, democracy, and the rule of law across Europe. He cited several examples including the election-monitoring role, anti-corruption work, and the Committee for the Prevention of Torture's unannounced visits to places of detention. Doughty also criticised the Government's policy towards Rwanda, highlighting the £120 million paid despite the policy being non-workable.
He thanked his hon. Friend for arranging a meeting with the Ukrainian delegation in Strasbourg and expressed the importance of continuing to work within the Council of Europe as part of global Britain's agenda.
Welcomed the consensual tone of the debate and highlighted the importance of the Council of Europe in promoting democracy and human rights. He discussed cases such as Russia's expulsion, the handling of Turkey, and the role of institutions like the Venice commission and Group of States against Corruption. Asked the Minister to respond to Jeremy Corbyn's question about making a reservation with respect to migrant women under the Istanbul convention, seeking clarity on the Government's direction. I associate the Opposition parties with the hon. Member's ambitions, noting that the Minister did not answer my question or that of my hon. Friend.
Government Response
Amanda MillingThe Government recognises the critical role of the Council of Europe in promoting freedom, democracy, and human rights. Russia's expulsion from the organisation left a €34 million funding shortfall which all member states committed to cover for this year. The UK will work with the secretary-general to understand long-term impacts and consider longer-term financing alongside strategic direction. The Minister praised the Foreign Secretary's support at the ministerial meeting in Turin, highlighting the need to consolidate standards on human rights, democracy, and the rule of law for future security. She also mentioned the importance of ratifying the Istanbul convention against violence against women, which was initiated by the UK's process to be completed by 31 July. Concerns were raised about Turkey's failure to implement the European Court of Human Rights ruling regarding Osman Kavala's case and infringement proceedings commenced as a result. The Council is encouraged to work with other organisations such as the OSCE to address issues like freedom of religion or belief. Regarding Kosovo, the UK supports its international integration, including membership in the Council of Europe. Lastly, the Minister addressed recent ECHR rulings and emphasised that legal challenges will not deter the government from controlling national borders.