Controversial plans for the military to opt out from the European convention on human rights (ECHR) during future conflicts will be introduced by ministers, to see off what the prime minister described as an “industry of vexatious claims” against soldiers. The long-mooted idea will be announced on Tuesday at the Conservative party conference by Theresa May and the defence secretary, Michael Fallon, although it was immediately criticised by human rights groups who said it was based on a false narrative of spurious lawsuits. Ukraine gave notice of a derogation in June 2015, in relation to the fighting on its border with Russia. “The truth is that derogation will protect no one except those at the MoD with something to hide. “If ministers held our troops in the high regard they claim, they would not do them the disrespect of implying they can’t abide by human rights standards.

Source: The Guardian October 03, 2016 21:11 UTC