As shown by a Foreign Affairs Committee report published in May 2018 (pdf), serious concern has existed for a considerable time about possible Russian influence in the UK including potentially undue influence over UK government activity.
Further concern is how certain wealthy individuals have used the legal system to deter criticism of their activities -
Cohen goes so far as to say - "As Russian tanks
United Nations:
The Five Permanent Members of the UN Security Council - WorldAtlas
General Assembly resolution demands end to Russian offensive in Ukraine | | UN News
UN resolution against Ukraine invasion: Full text (dubai.ooo)
United Nations Security Council veto power - Wikipedia
Presidency of the United Nations Security Council - Wikipedia
In February 2022, Russia held the Presidency of the UN Security Council. In March 2022 it is held by United Arab Emirates and, after that, UK (April 2022) and USA (May 2022).
7 April 2022 - UN General Assembly votes to suspend Russia from the Human Rights Council | | UN News
Council of Europe:
Situation in Ukraine: Decisions by Council of Europe's Committee of Ministers
Council of Europe suspends Russia's rights of representation
The European Court of Human Rights operates under the aegis of the Council of Europe. The court has announced interim measures concerning the Russian Federation (1 March 2022), Measures taken in cases concerning Ukraine (2 March), Interim measures concerning Russian military operations (4 March). Details are on the court's website - European Court of Human Rights - ECHR, CEDH, news, information, press releases (coe.int)
An Aggression Chamber for Ukraine Supported by the Council of Europe - Opinio Juris
European Union:
The Treaty was signed on 4 April 1949 by 12 founding members. The Treaty derives its authority from Article 51 of the UN Charter which reaffirmed the inherent right of independent States to individual or collective defence.
Collective defence is at the heart of the Treaty and is enshrined in Article 5 - NATO - Topic: Collective defence - Article 5
Russia has come under international condemnation because of its actions in Ukraine. As shown by this timeline, there has been a turbulent history since Ukraine became independent in 1991.
Sanctions have formed a part of the response by the UK Conservative government.
The imposition of sanctions is authorised
Also, on 16 February 2022, the EU Parliament issued an assessment of the Article 50 process -
Assessment of the implementation of Article 50 (pdf) and Assessment of the implementation of Article 50 (html version)
This post notes some of the salient points in the assessment.
As always, the document has to be read in full. It identifies a number of problems with Article 50 and examines
That meeting was attended by HM The Queen and three Privy Counsellors - Rt. Hon Jacob Rees-Mogg, Rt. Hon Baroness Evans of Bowes Park, and Rt. Hon Mark Spencer. Jacob Rees-Mogg was then Lord President of the Council. That post is now held by Mark Spencer.
The prorogation was, in law, a decision
Article 8 provides that everyone has the right to respect for his private and family life, his home and his correspondence. It is a qualified right - "There shall be no interference
Prince Andrew settles Virginia Giuffre sexual assault case in US | Prince Andrew | The Guardian
The document states that - "The parties
Independent Inquiry Child Sexual Abuse - website - set up 7 July 2014 but reconstituted in February 2015 as a statutory inquiry under the Inquiries Act 2005.
Since 11 August 2016, chaired by Professor Alexis Jay. Public hearings concluded in late 2020 but reports continue to be issued - see February 2022 report on Child Sexual Exploitation by Organised Networks. The inquiry conducted 15 separate investigations, heard 725 witnesses and held 325 days of public hearings. A final report remains to be issued.
Undercover Policing - website - set up 12 March 2015 - first Chairman
It is reported that "questionnaires" have been sent to around 50 individuals, including the Prime Minister, seeking information about any involvement in any gatherings allegedly in breach of the Regulations - PM sent Downing Street lockdown party questionnaire by Met police | Boris Johnson | The Guardian.
The sending of questionnaires
On 1 February, the Independent Office for Police Complaints (IOPC) published details of recommendations to tackle "bullying and harassment in the ranks" of the Metropolitan Police Service - IOPC recommendations to tackle Met culture after investigation uncovers bullying and harassment in the ranks | Independent Office for Police Conduct
Following the IOPC recommendations it was reported
The Queen is Head of the Commonwealth and also Head of State in a considerable number of nations and territories.
Many events will take place to mark the Platinum Jubilee including a holiday weekend from Thursday 2 June to Sunday 5 June. The Coronation took place on 2 June 1953.
The Crown:
"The Crown" is a frequently used term.
Northern Ireland's Agriculture Minister (Edwin Poots MLA), ordered a halt to post-Brexit checks on food and farming products entering Northern Ireland from the rest of the UK. The Minister's order was to take effect from midnight on Wednesday 2 February 2022 and Mr Poots stated that he had taken legal advice as to the legality of his order.
The UK government Secretary of State for
The government's proposals go well beyond the minimal recommendations of the Independent Review. The proposals seek to weaken the ability of individuals to enforce their human rights. The hand of the State against the individual will be strengthened. These regressive proposals ought to be rejected by Parliament.
My look at the Independent Panel's report commences HERE (5 posts) and the Government's Consultation is considered from HERE (3 posts).
This post sets out further links to
Law and Lawyers: Events at No 10 - a sad and damaging time (No.3) (obiterj.blogspot.com)
The Prime Minister made a brief statement in Parliament to which the Leader of the Opposition - Sir Keir Starmer - responded.
Hansard House of Commons 31 January 2022
After Starmer spoke, Johnson referred to Starmer as a "former Director of Public Prosecutions"
