Andrew Turner, the Island’s MP, has welcomed the commitment made by David Cameron MP to make changes to the law to take greater account of the rights of householders to protect themselves, their properties and their families, against those who break into their homes.

Speaking at the weekend the Tory Leader said:

"The moment a burglar steps over your threshold, and invades your property, with all the threat that gives to you, your family and your livelihood, I think they leave their human rights outside."

Mr Turner believes that many people will agree that the current situation favours those who choose to engage in illegal activity rather than the victims of crime. A future Conservative government would change the law to ensure that householders could face prosecution only if they use ‘grossly disproportionate’ force against a burglar. Currently action can be taken by the police against any householder who goes beyond using ‘reasonable force’ against an illegal intruder. He said,

“We need to abolish the Human Rights Act, which is based on the European Convention on Human Rights. We will bring in a British Bill of Rights that takes proper account of our legal system, our historic liberties and our core rights. There should be a presumption that you are safe from attack in your own home – and if somebody violates that right then their protection under the law is affected. That seems to me to be perfectly sensible.

“Nobody is suggesting that you should be able to kill or torture an illegal intruder simply because he has broken into your home. You can’t shoot someone as he walks up the footpath to the front door! But too many cases come to court because the rights of criminals are given equal status to those of their victims. That needs to be addressed.”

END Contact : Andrew Turner’s office 01983 530808