Yes!

[mandragora]

Yesterday one of the most dangerous people in Britain, the (former) Home Secretary, David Blunkett resigned. Lawyers (including me) loathe him for his refusal to take account of some pretty fundamental human rights in his fanaticism to pursue the 'War on Terror'. Not that there are plenty of people who aren't lawyers who don't loathe him, of course, but lawyers are some of Blunkett's favourite whipping boys.

Today, the Law Lords (in a court of nine, count 'em, nine - reserved only for the most serious cases and when the Law Lords *really* want to make a point) ruled that the disgraceful detention without trial of foreign nationals suspected of terrorist offences is contrary to human rights laws. The majority was eight to one. So, go the judiciary!

I quote from Lord Nicholls of Birkenhead, who in his ruling, said: "Indefinite imprisonment without charge or trial is anathema in any country which observes the rule of law.

Absolutely.

And, a not-yet-quite-belated Happy Birthday to temaris (sorry it's a bit late, Tem, but I've been away the past three days on business).

Comments

[katemonkey.livejournal.com]

Impressive, isn't it?

Although today, the super-Christian at work tried to convince me that Blunkett left because he was "going against religion" (in reference to the new incitement to religious hatred thing he was bringing in).

I didn't quite have the heart to just go "No, he's been going against all of fucking humanity."

[mandragora1.livejournal.com]

There's nowt so queer as folk. Paticularly the rabidly (blindly) religious variety.

And yes, it's pretty damn impressive. Although the new Home Secretary is saying he's not going to take any notice of the Law Lord's ruling. Hmm, methinks in that case a bit of judicial review apropos the Home Secretary's actions may just be in Charles Clark's future...