HUMAN RIGHTS ACT 1998 AND CONSCIENTIOUS OBJECTION

Early day motion 76, tabled 11 December 2000 by Harry Cohen (Labour). Signed by 43 members.

That this House welcomes the introduction of the Human Rights Act 1998 and the publication of 'Paying for Peace Not War - Is it a Human Right?'; notes that since 1916 there has always been the principle of exemption from military service when conscription has been in force; notes that people are no longer conscripted to take part directly in military activity but that all taxpayers are required to financially support the use of weapons; supports the principle od conscientious objection as a basic human right; and calls upon the Government to provide for the right to conscientious objection to taxation for military purposes by allowing all citizens who express such conscientious objection to direct a proportionate part of their taxes into a statutory peacebuilding fund.

Signatures by party: Labour 34, Liberal Democrat 3, Plaid Cymru 3, Labour/Co-operative 2, Independent 1.