The Rt Hon Kenneth Clarke QC MP
Lord Chancellor, Secretary of State for Justice
Ministry of Justice
102 Petty France
London SW1H 9AJ

10 January 2011

Dear Ken,

Universal Jurisdiction - Police Reform and Social Responsibility Bill

I am writing to you to voice my opinion relating to the proposed changes on Universal Jurisdiction, as included within the Police Reform and Social Responsibility Bill.

It is proposed to implement the requirement to obtain approval from the Director of Public Prosecutions prior to any arrest for Universal Jurisdiction offences. I understand that these changes have been introduced to avoid the utilisation of the courts for political reasons and to regulate the powers given to the Magistrates Court.

However, I am concerned that these new restrictions are going to have significant moral and legal effects on social justice and human rights, which could impinge on Britain's commitment towards truth and justice.

The existing law complies with the Geneva Convention. Changing the current law could result in the following:

• The prevention of arrests
• Significant delay in arrests taking place
• Increasing political intervention

With this in mind, I call on you to consider the implications in terms of truth and justice if these changes are to go ahead and to review the decision to alter the current law on Universal Jurisdiction. I strongly believe that Universal Jurisdiction is a fundamental tenet to social justice and human rights, and any changes to the current law could have significant impacts on social trust and fairness.

Yours sincerely,

Caroline Lucas, MP, Brighton Pavilion