Here are Dominic Grieve’s answers to the questions put forward by Coffeehousers:
Alex R
“Do you understand that your views on the ECHR are in contradiction to those of the huge majority of conservative supporters and potential conservative supporters. Do you understand why many people believe this should disqualify you from ever being Home Secretary in the next conservative government?”
I disagree on both counts. I fully support the protections set out in the European Convention on Human Rights as does the Conservative Party. But, I also believe that the government’s approach to human rights – including the Human Rights Act – has created unnecessary uncertainty in Britain, whilst failing to protect key liberties. That’s why a Conservative government would replace the Human Rights Act with a British Bill of Rights, which would offer a home-grown document tailored more closely to British traditions and values.
Nick Kaplan
“Dominic;
It is reasonably well know that you have been a ‘have a go hero’ in the past. Do you believe that there is a role for ordinary members of the public to take up your example in an effort to combat crime? Would this be something you would encourage as Home Secretary?”
I have to say that I don’t like the term ‘have a go hero’ much, and I have done nothing heroic. But I do believe that we all have a duty to help uphold the law of the land. The government’s approach has encouraged a ‘walk-on-by society’, with too many instances of citizens being apprehended – and sometimes prosecuted – for genuine attempts to intervene to prevent crime and anti-social behaviour. That has got to stop – a Conservative Government will promote both individual and social responsibility, which includes supporting those who try responsibly to stand up to those who break the law.
RGS Alumnus
“One of the best things about your constituency is the access it offers to excellent grammar schools in Beaconsfield and down the road in High Wycombe. Wouldn’t it be a good thing if children throughout the country had the chance to go to similar grammar schools?”
Grammar schools provide excellent opportunities for those children that are accepted to them. But they are not – and can not be – the only answer to increasing educational opportunities and raising standards nationwide.
Alex
“Knife crime: What is the future Conservative Government going to do about it?”
The government is in denial about the state of violent crime in modern Britain. A Conservative government would take concerted and sustained action at every level. We need to free up police from unnecessary red-tape and targets, putting them back on the street. We need more honesty in sentencing – which means a presumption of custody for knife possession, not the slap on the wrist that offenders all too often get at present. And we need to tackle the causes of crime, neglected by Labour despite all of its rhetoric. That includes measures to curb binge-drinking related violence, a crystal clear message on the scourge of drugs and stronger support for teachers in upholding school discipline.
John C
“You were recently (wrongly in my view) criticised for saying that we need to understand the mindset of the 7/7 terrorists and what motivates them. How would the next Conservative government approach dialogue with the Muslim community in order to strengthen the moderate elements?”
If we want to stop terrorist violence, we need of course to appreciate the forces motivating it, so as to counter them. We also need to reach out to the overwhelmingly moderate majority in the Muslim community, as the Conservative Party has already done. There are a range of measures a government can take. But perhaps most important is not to try and hand pick groups to represent the views of diverse communities. That is patronising, short-sighted and counter-productive. We need to promote a far broader range of views and participation in our democracy – by all those of goodwill – whilst making it absolutely clear that we will not tolerate those who support or condone violence.
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