UKIP oppose EU wide protection order

Paul Nuttall, UKIP’s Deputy Leader

UKIP oppose EU wide protection order because of injustice danger.

Opposition to a new EU law involving domestic violence has been voiced by UKIP because of fears of injustice.

"We abhor all domestic violence but are fearful that enforcing this new EU wide protection order could lead to grave injustices," explained Paul Nuttall, North West MEP.

The European Commission's proposal for such an order has been adopted by Justice Ministers and will be on the statute book by 2015. The Commission claims it will allow people who have suffered from violence, particularly domestic violence, to rely on a restraining order obtained in their home country wherever they are in the EU.

The Commission proposed the Regulation as part of a package of measures to improve victims’ rights.

"UKIP strongly supports UK laws which seek to prevent, control, or, where necessary, punish those who engage in domestic violence. This country has developed an effective system of law to protect partners and children from such acts. Such laws are constantly being improved and UKIP will always support sensible and workable developments in those laws," said Mr Nuttall, Deputy Party Leader.

"This EU measure allows the writ of foreign judges - who are in no way accountable to Parliament or the British people - to run in the UK. A protection order made in any other member state will be enforceable without further ado, potentially leading to imprisonment.

"This is an unacceptable infringement of the sovereign right of Parliament and the courts to have exclusive jurisdiction over such matters according to UK law.

"Also an order made by a foreign judge with no concept of the very real difficulties and practicalities of the enforcement of such orders within the context of UK law could lead to grave injustices.

"We have already seen injustices resulting from the European Arrest Warrant and this could lead to more such problems. Our courts are the best forum for such matters and it is for these reasons that we strongly oppose this measure," said Mr Nuttall.