UK and human rights

There was a time, not all that long ago, when the UK had a reputation for supporting human rights. Tony Blair made loud noises in support of the International Criminal Court, which would fearlessly track down rogue countries and leaders which threatened the civil liberties of others. And where are we now? the ICC are investigating war crimes alleged against our troops after the invasion of Iraq.

Tippi Livni, Israel’s justice minister who is responsible for the ill-treatment of Palestinian children in custody, wants to come to talk to the UK government. Fine. We make sure she gets diplomatic immunity, so discussions won’t be interrupted by some tactless body anxious to arrest her for war crimes. We ought to be ashamed.