UK ‘to cut ties to human rights court’

BRITISH judges could be freed from the grip of European human rights rulings under a review being carried out by ministers.

Reforms are being considered that would curb the influence of the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) in the UK, Government sources have confirmed.

Lawyer Lord Pannick told a panel the Human Rights Act should be changed to make it clear that while ECHR rulings should be taken into account, they should not bind judges in the UK.

Justice Secretary Robert Buckland, who launched the review, is “sympathetic” to the idea.

An expert panel, headed by former Court of Appeal judge Sir Peter Gross, is expected to set out its recommendations this summer.

It is also looking at ways to stop judges being drawn into matters of policy.

The Government insists the review will “continue to champion human rights both at home and abroad”.

A joint submission from Britain’s police forces warned that the duty to “take into account” Strasbourg rulings is “arguably now out of control”. It was “in danger of creating bad law that is unfit for the protection and preservation of human rights in the UK”.

Lord Pannick said he is a “strong supporter” of the Act and “in general it is working well”.

But he said there were concerns that it leaves courts “constrained” by the ECHR.