South Down MP Margaret Ritchie (SDLP) has said that it is imperative to retain the Human Rights Act to ensure that proper standards of human rights are promoted in prisons.
Following an oral question to the Justice Minister, Ms Ritchie said: “I took the opportunity today to probe the Justice Minister on the impact that the repeal of the Human Rights Act would have on prisons and prisoners. Our prison services are struggling as they are hit by cuts and increasing privatisation and the repeal of the Human Rights Act would exacerbate this massively.
“Human rights must remain at the core of rehabilitation if rates of reoffending are to reduce. The Minister’s response did little to suggest this was a priority for the Department. I will continue to pursue this matter with the Secretary of State, Mr Gove, and highlight the vital importance of the Human Rights Act in Northern Ireland and across the UK.”
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The exchange between Ms Ritchie and Minister.
Margaret Ritchie MP:
Thank you Mr. Speaker. As part of a programme established to deal with reoffending in prisons, would the Minister agree with me there is need to retain the Human Rights Act of 2000 in order to ensure that proper standards in prisons of human rights are adhered to?
Minister for Policing, Crime and Criminal Justice and Victims, Mike Penning MP:
Mr Speaker, This country has led human rights for centuries and it will be nothing different when we bring the legislation forward to make sure this parliament ensures exactly what goes on, not a foreign court.
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