Statement: On Thursday 12 July, British parliamentarians will vote on a government motion on whether to back the creation of a EU special representative on human rights. The position was created after the EU Foreign Affairs Council adopted the EU Strategic Framework and Action Plan on Human Rights and Democracy on 25 June. However, the British have insisted that the issue should come to their parliament for a vote before the special representative position is created.

Index has learnt that some MPs could be organising to vote against the motion which comes to Parliament tomorrow afternoon. If the vote is lost, it could prevent the creation of the special representative and hold back the adoption of the EU Action Plan. A “no” vote would derail a series of complex negotiations, which may not be repeated in the near future.

Kirsty Hughes, Chief Executive of Index on Censorship commented:

“Creating a special representative on human rights is vital if the European Union is to project clear values and rights in its dealings with the rest of the world. With a global power shift underway, it’s clear that 27 countries speaking with one voice on human rights can have real impact. If Eurosceptics vote against this plan it will sell out people across the world who are under attack from authoritarian governments.”