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Marblechops's avatar

I’ve heard David Starkey say that the original intention was a set of principles not actual laws. But Maxwell Ffyfe realised it would have to be embedded in the law of European governments because they were based on Napoleonic Law. English Common Law after 1689 had most if the safeguards contained in the ECHR anyway.

They were drafted entirely for the Continent never for us, who had lived free from tyranny since the civil war.

Today, even the philosophical concept of “rights” has been twisted completely out of shape transcending in to every day vernacular. Dalrymple has written and done some great lectures on how they have gnawed on society and created the gravy train of victimhood in the UK.

If we are to leave the preparatory ground work must be to school people in how rights can be turned upon ourselves and dilute democracy beyond measure.

Personally I like the debate in an empty Commons where JRM destroys Rory Stewart on the subject!

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William's avatar

I'd add to the list of questions to answer Pete a reposte and policy response to the arguments (good faith or otherwise) that there are a host of other international agreements that in some way reference or rely (or are said to rely) on the UKs 'membership' of the ECHR, i.e. we cant leave the ECHR as it will undermine/destroy the Good Friday Agreement, Agreement with EU etc.

Increasing knowledge of fhe history and impact of English Common Law, and the protections derived from it also important.

Thanks.

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