Clegg: Britain has lost the moral authority on human rights

1.30.28pm GMT Fri 12th Dec 2008

Nick Clegg, Leader of the Liberal Democrats

Liberal Democrat Leader Nick Clegg declared that Britain has lost its moral authority on human rights issues in a hard-hitting attack on the Government's stance on immigration.

In a speech this week to Amnesty International to mark Human Rights Day, Nick Clegg warned that the UK is developing a two-tier rights regime, with foreign nationals targeted by draconian measures like ID cards.

He accused the Government of pandering to the right on immigration issues as it prepares for an election and criticised Immigration Minister Phil Woolas for 'peddling fear' and 'scapegoating asylum seekers'.

He also condemned Conservative plans to scrap the Human Rights Act.

Nick Clegg said: "All of us have had our rights have come under attack, but no one has suffered more so than foreigners in this country.

"We have already seen the Immigration Minister swerving to the right in preparation for the next election, peddling fear and scapegoating asylum seekers for Britain's ills.

"What does this Government think is going to happen to the already delicate ethnic tensions as we spiral further into economic downturn? When more jobs go, and frustrations are at a high? Why are they stoking this fire?

"What makes it even worse is that this is an area where the Conservatives simply won't be outflanked. My concern is that this marks the start of a kind of downward bidding. A 'we'll let in fewer than you will' head to head. We can't let this happen.

"We need a responsible, mature debate on immigration. Where we recognise it is right to be tough on illegal immigration. But equally the huge contribution that legal immigrants make.

"Wherever their application is discriminate, contingent on arbitrary factors like creed or colour, it must stop.

"Human rights are not something you pick up one day and put down the next, they are the unwavering, unshakeable commitment to the dignity of people. They are the principles by which we can call ourselves civilised."