Tories oppose fundamental rights

12.00.00am UTC (GMT +0000) Thu 6th Nov 2003

British Conservative Euro-MPs have today preferred their anti-European fervour over sensible measures to enhance European justice by voting against the introduction of minimum safeguards for defendants in criminal cases across the EU.

The European Commission proposal - nonetheless overwhelmingly approved by the European Parliament - would spell out how fair trial rights enshrined in European human rights instruments should be respected in practice eg legal aid, interpretation and a 'letter of rights' to be given to each suspect. It now passes to EU governments for decision.

European Liberal Democrat justice spokeswoman Baroness Sarah Ludford MEP commented:

"This can only be explained by virulent Tory Euro-phobia. They opposed the European Arrest Warrant on the grounds that it breached fundamental rights, but now they also oppose measures to strengthen these rights."

"One has to conclude that the Tories are interested neither in bringing to justice criminals who do a bunk to the Costa del Sol, nor in protecting Britons in trouble abroad. Michael Howard's claim to lead a party dedicated to law and order looks threadbare."

"The British Conservatives' own continental allies had no problem supporting the proposal and the Tories resorted to linking up with the far right. But these safeguards are vital to protect the interests of British people who - like the innocent planespotters prosecuted for spyng in Greece - fall foul of the law whilst abroad."