Posted: 11 December 2003
Amnesty International said:
"We are saddened that David Blunkett is reportedly considering resigning
from Amnesty International. We hope he will not conclude that it is
incompatible to be Home Secretary and a member of an organisation that
champions human rights, fair trials and international standards of
justice.
"Many MPs of all parties, including ministers, are currently members of
Amnesty International, clearly believing that worldwide human rights and
justice are of critical importance.
"We have praised the government when appropriate: for example on the
introduction of the Human Rights Act and the abolition of the death
penalty, and we look forward to talking to them on the forthcoming
domestic violence legislation.
"We also have a very important job to do in holding the government to
account when we believe that human rights are under threat.