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Terrorism and human rights

Speech by Lord Phillips of Worth Matravers, The Lord Chief Justice of England and Wales

19/10/2006

 

Lord Phillips concentrated on the complex history of anti-terrorism legislation and judicial reaction to that legislation in the United Kingdom.

He looked at current conflicts between anti-terrorism and human rights legislation, including one key case, Chahal versus United Kingdom, and went on to examine recent developments in the United States.

“Respect for human rights must, I suggest, be a key weapon in the ideological battle. Since the Second World War we in Britain have welcomed to the United Kingdom millions of immigrants from all corners of the globe, many of them refugees from countries where human rights were not respected. It is essential that they, and their children and grandchildren, should be confident that their adopted country treats them without discrimination and with due respect for their human rights. If they feel that they are not being fairly treated, their consequent resentment will inevitably result in the growth of those who, actively or passively, are prepared to support the terrorists who are bent on destroying the fabric of our society. The Human Rights Act is not merely their safeguard, it is a vital part of the foundation of our fight against terrorism.”