Glyn Davies, Conservative MP for Montgomeryshire, has raised the issue of the UK’s standing with the European Court if MPs vote against extending the right to vote to prisoners during a forthcoming debate.
Glyn Davies MP was speaking during the unveiling in the House of Commons by Justice Secretary Chris Grayling MP of draft legislation to allow some prisoners to vote. The bill for MPs to decide on is proposed to include 3 separate options, which includes granting votes to those prisoners serving less than 4 years, those serving less than 6 months, and no votes for prisoners at all. The Council of Europe has already ruled that votes should be extended to prisoners in the UK and has called upon the UK Government to “move forward” and comply.
Speaking in Parliament last week (November 22nd), Glyn Davies asked a question of the Justice Secretary concerning the possible impact of ignoring a European Court judgement that voting should be extended to prisoners in the UK, and highlighted possible damage to the UK’s reputation within Europe, as well as the financial penalties that could be incurred.
Speaking in the Commons, Glyn Davies said: “I absolutely agree that deciding whether prisoners should have the right to vote is properly a matter for this Parliament, but I am concerned that the United Kingdom may well find itself either asked to pay fines or outside the judgment of the European Court. Britain has an admirable reputation for leading the world in respect of the rule of law, so will my right Hon. Friend work with the other 46 members of the Council of Europe to find ways of avoiding the confrontation we seem to be heading for, which will almost inevitably involve curtailing the ambitions and scope of the European Court?”
Replying to Glyn’s question, Justice Secretary Chris Grayling said: “I can absolutely give my Hon. Friend that assurance. It is my view that reform must come, and I am very pleased to have heard today that that is clearly the view of Opposition Members as well.”
