Crime & Safety
Minister commits to ‘rule of law’ at Oxford University event
Lord Richard Hermer, the Attorney General said the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR) is in the UK’s national interest and that the rules-based order should “act as a compass in these uncertain times”.
He made the comments yesterday (Thursday, April 23), at the Bonavero Institute in Oxford where he was speaking on stage to Alain Berset, the secretary general of the Council of Europe which oversees the ECHR.
READ MORE: Historic Cotswolds hotel next to Blenheim Palace put up for near £2m sale
While he stressed the government’s commitment to the treaty, Lord Hermer said its values must “develop and adapt”.
The Council of Europe is under pressure from a number of countries, including the UK, to change the way the laws apply in migration cases, notably in its Article 3 protection against inhuman or degrading treatment and the Article 8 right to a family life.
READ MORE: Health trust pledges ‘learnings’ after young woman’s drug death
Both articles have been used to prevent people with no right to be in the UK being sent back to their home countries.
Labour, unlike the Tories and Reform UK, is committed to remaining within the ECHR.
Lord Hermer told the Oxford event: “The international rule of law, deep concern to respect the human rights of all, should act as a compass in these uncertain times – I think most people in the world understand this, I think most people in this country want this.”
The MP for Oxford East has been vocal about the civil war that started in April 2023 in the African country.
Scenes of a vicious struggle for power broke out between its army and a powerful paramilitary group, the Rapid Support Forces.
It is estimated that around 30 million people need aid, and the country faces severe hunger, with at least five areas experiencing famine.
Ms Dodds, who was on a trip to the Sudan this year, raised the matter in a topical question session this week in Parliament.
She said: “On Sudan and the failing international response, will the foreign secretary consider further economic measures and sanctions, including against the nationals of the countries that support the belligerents?
READ MORE: TV legend banned from driving after speeding at 78mph
“Will she encourage the prime minister to prioritise Sudan in his international engagements so he can show the leadership that she has shown?”
Foreign secretary Yvette Cooper assured Ms Dodds the Government is “continuing to raise this matter as well”.
She added: “We assess that around a dozen countries are providing different kinds of arms flow support to the warring parties.
“That is an extremely serious concern and we are raising it with a range of countries. We also continue to look at the issue of sanctions.”
At least 59,000 people have been killed.
At least 6,000 died over three days as the RSF rampaged through the Darfur outpost of el-Fasher in October, according to the UN.
A car park in Oxfordshire is going to temporarily close while work is carried out.
Source link
The Prince of Wales was taking a tour around the headquarters of the British Formula E team, Jaguar TCS Racing in Kidlington today (Thursday, April 23).
After being greeted by staff at the entrance, the royal made his way into the facility and had a look around the trophy room to start.
READ MORE: Prince William in Oxfordshire today on royal visit
Having made his way downstairs, His Royal Highness was then greeted by Jaguar racer António Félix da Costa.
The Portuguese driver, who notably won the 2019–20 Formula E Championship, showed Prince William around the car.
It was at this point the Prince of Wales got into the vehicle to take a closer look from behind the wheel.
READ MORE: Victoria Beckham addresses ‘publicly challenging year’ amid family fallout
Having sat in the car for a short while and got to grips with the machine, the royal then exited the vehicle and continued his tour around the headquarters.
Jack Lambert, head of Technical Integration at Jaguar, said: “He’s tall. I’m not very sure he’d be comfortable racing in it.
“We probably only have one racing driver [who is that height], Jake Dennis, and his knees are right up in the cockpit.
READ MORE: Historic fish market forced to find new home as rent doubles
“But yeah, it’s great to see him in there [the racing car], and that he was keen to get in because it’s not an easy thing to get in and out of by any means, particularly when you’re 6ft 4in.
“For him to be so open to doing that with everyone around is not a small ask, but he was really keen.
“His interaction with António and António being able to tell him about his world, whilst the Prince is behind the steering wheel, is awesome.”
-
Crime & Safety4 days agoBicester man denies sexually assaulting two young girls
-
UK News4 days agoStarmer says it ‘beggars belief’ he wasn’t told about Mandelson vetting failure as he faces Commons – UK politics live | Politics
-
Oxford News4 weeks agoOxfordshire village fear for welfare incident update issued
-
Crime & Safety2 weeks agoLorry overturns on Oxfordshire A43 roundabout with driver trapped
-
Oxford News4 weeks agoDrug driving arrest carried out in Oxfordshire market town
-
Business & Technology4 weeks agoFirst Indie Oxford Day kicks off with great success
-
UK News2 days agoTV tonight: Shetland meets CSI in a new drama about a disgraced cop | Television
-
UK News4 days agoPhones to be banned in schools by law in England under government plans