'Innocent' student extradicted to Greek prison hell under EU arrest warrant

[-:Undertaker:-]

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1300723/Innocent-student-extradicted-Greek-prison-hell-EU-arrest-warrant.html


A student and four of his friends are facing years in a Greek prison after a holiday turned into a nightmare. Ben Herdman, 20, was due to start his final year studying business at Brighton University soon. Instead he and his friends were extradited this week, accused of attacking a man outside a nightclub in Crete two years ago and leaving him in a coma. They were flown to Athens yesterday. Lawyers for the five claim the case against them is 'ridiculously weak', but they were powerless to prevent the extradition as the Greek authorities used the controversial European Arrest Warrant to force them to stand trial.

They are likely to spend up to 18 months in a squalid Greek prison until their case is heard, and face ten-year sentences if found guilty.

Last night the mother of one of the young men warned: 'Parents, be very afraid – this summer it could be your sons wrongly accused yet you'll be powerless to stop their extradition and immediate detention.' Mr Herdman – whose Brighton University tutors describe him as 'an exceptional student' with a 'charming and engaging personality' – claims he was more than 100 yards away when the attack happened in Malia in June 2008. Another of the five, 22-year-old George Hollands, was asleep in his hotel room. They claim they were targeted by police because they were on holiday with a sixth British man – Joseph Bruckland – who witnesses say was involved in a fight with the 29-year-old victim, Rob Hughes, a semi-professional footballer from Bromley, Kent.

Mr Bruckland, a 20-year-old carpenter from Hookwood, Surrey, is facing a separate extradition hearing next month and also denies the allegations. Mr Herdman, who lives with his parents in Worth, near Crawley, West Sussex, said he was 'appalled' by what happened to Mr Hughes, who needed three life-saving brain operations after the attack. But before leaving for Athens yesterday, he added: 'Being extradited for something I had nothing to do with and facing 18 months in a foreign prison until I get the chance to prove my innocence is terrifying.'
http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2010/08/05/article-1300723-0AB094C6000005DC-318_468x763.jpg



Mr Herdman was with Mr Bruckland and three of the other accused – Curtis Taylor, 20, Daniel Bell, 21, and 20-year-old Sean Branton, all from Horley, Surrey – before the attack. They were walking back to their hotel at around 5am when an argument started with a group of Mr Hughes's friends. Mr Herdman, who is planning a career in IT, said he carried on walking because he did not want to get involved in any trouble. Minutes later a fight broke out and Mr Hughes was gravely injured. Two days later, Mr Bruckland was identified by a witness as he sat on the beach with his five friends. All six were questioned but released without charge.

A year later, the Greek authorities asked the six to return for further questioning after a campaign by the victim's family. The suspects' British lawyers advised them not to go as the Greek authorities refused to disclose the allegations against them. They were arrested by British police in December last year after European Arrest Warrants were issued. Mr Herdman's father, Mike, a 55-year-old independent financial adviser, said: 'I've always told my sons to walk away from any trouble and that's what Ben did. Witnesses have verified this. 'If the police had done their job properly two years ago they could have identified who did this and justice would have been done. Instead, a lot of innocent people are being put through hell.'

Mr Hollands, a plumber from Reigate, Surrey, said: 'The only reason I'm involved is because I was on the beach with Joseph Bruckland when a witness pointed him out. Anyone who happened to be on the beach at that moment would be in the same boat as me now.' His mother Vanessa said: 'How many more young innocent British lads like George will be banged up across Europe before the Government shows some mettle and gets to grips with the failings of the European Arrest Warrant? 'Parents, be very afraid – this summer it could be your sons wrongly accused yet you'll be powerless to stop their extradition and immediate detention. 'When did this country become so feeble in failing to stand up for the rights of its own?' Karen Todner, of Kaim Todner Solicitors, who is representing the five, said they were being jointly charged with the attack despite witnesses – including friends of the victim – stating that only one man was involved.The same applies to the case of Gary McKinnon of whom US authorities demand he be sent over despite the fact he is not at all the type of person who meant any malice - if anything the US and the Pentagon should hire him to expose holes in their software, i'm sure they'd rather McKinnon be keeping the system safe rather than Chinese hackers looking at military secrets and software.

The notion of 'innocent until proven guilty' and the ancient idea that you are accountable to the courts of the British monarch seems all but dead after years of erosion by the last Labour government and now the coalition government - the same government that harps on about civil liberties so much. According to the comments on the article, the German doctor who killed a patient cannot be put on trial here so yet again it is one rule for Europe and another for the United Kingdom.

This lad should not be sent to Greece unless the Greek authorities can find enough sufficent evidence to charge him to the levels of UK justice, not Greek justice. As far as I understand the EU Arrest Warrant and the EU Investigation Order - even if the act you 'committed' while in an EU country is not a crime here, you are sent back to that country and the British government has no power to prevent it.


The British Government and courts are powerless to protect anyone who becomes the subject of a European Arrest Warrant.

In addition, the accused is denied the right to challenge the warrant before he or she is spirited overseas. The warrant was agreed by EU leaders including Tony Blair and introduced in 2004. Labour ministers signed up in the belief it would speed justice and improve relations between EU countries. Last year, 1,032 Britons were extradited abroad to face trial but just 98 foreign nationals were brought here to face criminal charges.

But far from rowing back the powers handed to foreign courts, the coalition Government has just extended them. Last month Home Secretary Theresa May signed up to the European Investigation Order, the partner to the European Arrest Warrant. It allows foreign police to travel to the UK and take part in the arrest of Britons, place them under surveillance, monitor bank accounts and demand DNA samples.It is time we start standing up for our own people.

Thoughts?

[alexxxxx]

don't liken this to the american situation because that's an even worse treaty than this, very very one sided.

my thoughts are that if he's found guilty it's a good thing. the case is 'weak' says the defence lawyers - surprise surprise. and 'wrongly accused' - leave that to the courts to decide, not the mother of the accused.

imagine the fury if someone wasn't allowed to be extradited here.

[-:Undertaker:-]

don't liken this to the american situation because that's an even worse treaty than this, very very one sided.

my thoughts are that if he's found guilty it's a good thing. the case is 'weak' says the defence lawyers - surprise surprise. and 'wrongly accused' - leave that to the courts to decide, not the mother of the accused.

imagine the fury if someone wasn't allowed to be extradited here.

My problem is that people can be taken to other countries even if the UK government does not wish that/our courts do not have a real say in the matter. Our courts and Police teams should investigate the case first and then make the decision on whether or not there is sufficent evidence to extradite the person/s to the country requesting (or ordering as is the case with the EU). The US treaty is wrong and so is the EU one - why doesn't this country get some backbone and stop pandering to both the EU and the US(?). The student in this story could be guilty as hell and I have no way of knowing whether he is guilty or not - however it should be innocent until proven guilty and at the discretion of British courts and the British government.

[alexxxxx]

My problem is that people can be taken to other countries even if the UK government does not wish that/our courts do not have a real say in the matter. Our courts and Police teams should investigate the case first and then make the decision on whether or not there is sufficent evidence to extradite the person/s to the country requesting (or ordering as is the case with the EU). The US treaty is wrong and so is the EU one - why doesn't this country get some backbone and stop pandering to both the EU and the US(?). The student in this story could be guilty as hell and I have no way of knowing whether he is guilty or not - however it should be innocent until proven guilty and at the discretion of British courts and the British government.

if you actually read this report it's quite interesting. it also shows that the DM has fiddled about with its figures a LOT and also shows that some cases have been thrown out by UK courts.

http://www.google.com/url?sa=t&source=web&cd=1&ved=0CBIQFjAA&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.publications.parliament.uk%2F pa%2Fld200506%2Fldselect%2Fldeucom%2F156%2F156.pdf&ei=GetbTLaWK9S7jAfvp9zxAw&usg=AFQjCNFvHGBB0J5TgEPYpi3vXK2cJo4xnw

[-:Undertaker:-]

if you actually read this report it's quite interesting. it also shows that the DM has fiddled about with its figures a LOT and also shows that some cases have been thrown out by UK courts.

http://www.google.com/url?sa=t&source=web&cd=1&ved=0CBIQFjAA&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.publications.parliament.uk%2F pa%2Fld200506%2Fldselect%2Fldeucom%2F156%2F156.pdf&ei=GetbTLaWK9S7jAfvp9zxAw&usg=AFQjCNFvHGBB0J5TgEPYpi3vXK2cJo4xnw

'The Commission's report'

The same Commission (I presume the Brussels commission) that has unelected communists/fraudsters and criminals within it, including its former commissioner for 'Justice, Freedom and Security' Jacques Barrot (only stepped down in February this year) who is a convicted fraudster - so you'll excuse me if I don't take its report or its figures all that too seriously. That report also states that;

"The European Arrest Warrant (EAW) is now widely used to secure the arrest and surrender of suspected criminals across the Union. The EAW has a key role to play in the fight against terrorism and in bringing those accused of serious crime to justice."

http://www.ukip.org/content/latest-news/1655-meps-campaign-against-eu-arrest-warrant

The link following also shows the apparent low quality of European courts and the shame trials that take place, possible thanks to the European Arrest Warrant which has no concern for 'innocent until proven guilty' and the ancient habeas corpus which was the foundation stone of democracy and liberty in this country. Often you have claimed to be for civil liberties, but just like the Con-Dem government it doesnt seem to apply to that of your European dream.

[alexxxxx]

'The Commission's report'

The same Commission (I presume the Brussels commission) that has unelected communists/fraudsters and criminals within it, including its former commissioner for 'Justice, Freedom and Security' Jacques Barrot (only stepped down in February this year) who is a convicted fraudster - so you'll excuse me if I don't take its report or its figures all that too seriously. That report also states that;

"The European Arrest Warrant (EAW) is now widely used to secure the arrest and surrender of suspected criminals across the Union. The EAW has a key role to play in the fight against terrorism and in bringing those accused of serious crime to justice."

http://www.ukip.org/content/latest-news/1655-meps-campaign-against-eu-arrest-warrant

The link following also shows the apparent low quality of European courts and the shame trials that take place, possible thanks to the European Arrest Warrant which has no concern for 'innocent until proven guilty' and the ancient habeas corpus which was the foundation stone of democracy and liberty in this country. Often you have claimed to be for civil liberties, but just like the Con-Dem government it doesnt seem to apply to that of your European dream.
no, read the whole thing. it's by the EU committee of the house of lords, which includes details of the commission's report.

and what youve said at the bottom is a bit of a sweeping statement.

[Technologic]

Because the guy is obviously telling the truth, i mean if he was guilty he would totally admit it. There's always more than the daily mail side to the story....

[MrPinkPanther]

There's always more than the daily mail side to the story....

Agreed. I mean we all know candle lit dinners give you cancer. I'm against extradition in many cases for example in the case of Gary McKinnon where he has a disorder that will not be adequately taken into account by US courts and the offence itself was not committed within the US. However imagine this was the other way around, imagine a British person got stabbed by Greeks to within an inch of his life outside a London pub. Would you be happy for these Greeks to be sent home? I sure wouldn't. This case should be held in a Greek court and it is they who should make the decision, not only was the offence committed in Greece but it was also against a Greek person, there is no reason it should be held in Britain.

[-:Undertaker:-]

no, read the whole thing. it's by the EU committee of the house of lords, which includes details of the commission's report.

and what youve said at the bottom is a bit of a sweeping statement.

Which is why I stated that if it is on the Commissions report then I take it with a pinch of salt. The report is nothing more than a document piling glory on the European Union and the European Arrest Warrant whilst addressing concerns of the Commission itself. The bottom part of my reply was a sweeping statement indeed - you are against banning clothes but all for foreign countries banging people up for a possible 18 months without British authorities being consulted.


Because the guy is obviously telling the truth, i mean if he was guilty he would totally admit it. There's always more than the daily mail side to the story....

Nobody has said he is innocent, however Mail aside (because the Mail has nothing to do with the case) it is interesting and probable that this lad is innocent when you consider;


Karen Todner, of Kaim Todner Solicitors, who is representing the five, said they were being jointly charged with the attack despite witnesses – including friends of the victim – stating that only one man was involved.Would you like to be hauled off to a foreign country to jails of which Amnesty International condemns for a period of months, even over a year which is possible without even being charged or taken to court? no, you wouldn't.


Agreed. I mean we all know candle lit dinners give you cancer. I'm against extradition in many cases for example in the case of Gary McKinnon where he has a disorder that will not be adequately taken into account by US courts and the offence itself was not committed within the US. [B]However imagine this was the other way around, imagine a British person got stabbed by Greeks to within an inch of his life outside a London pub. Would you be happy for these Greeks to be sent home? I sure wouldn't. This case should be held in a Greek court and it is they who should make the decision, not only was the offence committed in Greece but it was also against a Greek person, there is no reason it should be held in Britain.

The Mail reports health-scare stories just like the Liberal Democrats, the Times, the Guardian and numerous other left leaning sources report 'reports' of mass death and the end of the world via global warming - not exactly on the high horse here when it comes to scare-media tactics.

I agree the case should be in a Greek Court, what I am against is the idea that he can be detained for a large amount of time without the trial taking place and that the British authorities have no power to stop this European Arrest Warrant even if British authorities felt that not enough evidence was being provided by the Greek police. If it were the other way around, I would expect British authorities to provide sufficent evidence to the Greek authorities before a decision was made on extradition by the Greek authorities - not the automatic and wrong way in which the European Arrest Warrent operates.

As usual, so much for your own 'Liberal' 'Democratic' viewpoint.

Mentioning the new European Investigation Order which is quite interesting and which both the Conservatives and Liberal Democrats have agreed to; heres a quick summary of some of the new sweeping powers that our government is surrendering; http://www.ukip.org/content/latest-news/1815-batten-anger-as-eaw-two-deported - and afterall, they are our rights they are surrendering.

[MrPinkPanther]

The Mail reports health-scare stories just like the Liberal Democrats, the Times, the Guardian and numerous other left leaning sources report 'reports' of mass death and the end of the world via global warming - not exactly on the high horse here when it comes to scare-media tactics.

How you can equate candle lit dinners or facebook giving you cancer to the human created speeding up of global warming which is backed by the vast majority of Scientists is beyond me. Its not scare mongering, it's scientific theory which we need to respond to because if it does prove to be true then by then it will be too late.



I agree the case should be in a Greek Court, what I am against is the idea that he can be detained for a large amount of time without the trial taking place and that the British authorities have no power to stop this European Arrest Warrant even if British authorities felt that not enough evidence was being provided by the Greek police. If it were the other way around, I would expect British authorities to provide sufficent evidence to the Greek authorities before a decision was made on extradition by the Greek authorities - not the automatic and wrong way in which the European Arrest Warrent operates.

The British authorities do have power to stop the extradition of this man, extradition is only carried out after their approval. Once again, British law is above EU law. Whilst EU law is often called "supranational" it isn't because the UK can refuse to go along with any part of it that it wishes, nothing can stop British law which is ALWAYS sovereign.



As usual, so much for your own 'Liberal' 'Democratic' viewpoint.

This is neither undemocratic nor illiberal because UK law isn't a democratic process, judges aren't elected by the people nor are juries unlike some other countries.

If you're going to turn this into a 'party political' thread then please explain to me Lord Pearson's lack of understanding about even the most basic of UKIPs policies?



Mentioning the new European Investigation Order which is quite interesting and which both the Conservatives and Liberal Democrats have agreed to; heres a quick summary of some of the new sweeping powers that our government is surrendering; http://www.ukip.org/content/latest-news/1815-batten-anger-as-eaw-two-deported - and afterall, they are our rights they are surrendering.
Step 1 for a legitimate summary. Link to a completely independent and unbiased view of the order. Under no circumstances link to a political parties website. Thanks.

[-:Undertaker:-]

How you can equate candle lit dinners or facebook giving you cancer to the human created speeding up of global warming which is backed by the vast majority of Scientists is beyond me. Its not scare mongering, it's scientific theory which we need to respond to because if it does prove to be true then by then it will be too late.

How did you establish the majority of scientists agree with man-made global warming? you haven't and nobody has done so, so there you are. Again I will direct you to Lord Monckton and his fantastic videos/tours which simply blow the myth out of the water;



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kuovqFwUtDc


The same could be said for the Mail stories on food/things that give you cancer, too late when you have the cancer if you dont take note of those studies!


The British authorities do have power to stop the extradition of this man, extradition is only carried out after their approval. Once again, British law is above EU law. Whilst EU law is often called "supranational" it isn't because the UK can refuse to go along with any part of it that it wishes, nothing can stop British law which is ALWAYS sovereign.

Now you keep saying this but it is wrong, EU law is supreme to EU member states law - only parliament remains sovereign in monetary matters (since we have not joined the Euro) and treaty signing, in all others aspects which the EU rules/its court rules upon, British law is not superior; http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Supremacy_%28European_Union_law%29


This is neither undemocratic nor illiberal because UK law isn't a democratic process, judges aren't elected by the people nor are juries unlike some other countries.

So you wish to make it more undemocratic whilst at the same time supporting a body which creates a large sum of our legislation yet has never been elected and is not accountable to the people? I would agree that the courts & justice system should also be made democratic like the American system is - however it is pointless reforming the UK courts to make them democratic when EU courts and law remain supreme to UK law because EU courts and the EU itself is not elected, has never been elected and will never be elected or accountable to the people of Britain and Europe.


If you're going to turn this into a 'party political' thread then please explain to me Lord Pearson's lack of understanding about even the most basic of UKIPs policies?

Because no party leader knows the entire manifesto, which is why I find it strange that trick questions are not asked of the Lib/Lab/Con leaders also - but speaking of party politics regardless I find it strange how the Liberal Democrats all of a sudden dropped all of their opposition to spending cuts and on a number of other issues as soon as they had the chance to form a government - the same goes for the Conservative Party.


Step 1 for a legitimate summary. Link to a completely independent and unbiased view of the order. Under no circumstances link to a political parties website. Thanks.

Actually you'll find I was linking to the Russia Today video which has covered the story, and of which is not on Youtube and is only on the UKIP website - hence why I posted so.

[MrPinkPanther]

How did you establish the majority of scientists agree with man-made global warming? you haven't and nobody has done so, so there you are. Again I will direct you to Lord Monckton and his fantastic videos/tours which simply blow the myth out of the water;



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kuovqFwUtDc

Lord Monckton? Fox News's go to guy, UKIP's deputy leader who has a degree in journalism? You must be kidding me, he hardly qualifies in a scientist. *Sigh*.

I suggest you watch this video. The same reports he quotes debunk the very theories he preaches.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JfA1LpiYk2o


Now you keep saying this but it is wrong, EU law is supreme to EU member states law - only parliament remains sovereign in monetary matters (since we have not joined the Euro) and treaty signing, in all others aspects which the EU rules/its court rules upon, British law is not superior; http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Supremacy_%28European_Union_law%29
The EU's relationship with the UK in terms of the law is based on the process of factortame. This means that it is agreed that the UK courts only surrender to the EU on certain issues which the UK has agreed to. It may change the terms of factortame as it wishes and therefore remains supranational in all areas.


So you wish to make it more undemocratic whilst at the same time supporting a body which creates a large sum of our legislation yet has never been elected and is not accountable to the people? I would agree that the courts & justice system should also be made democratic like the American system is - however it is pointless reforming the UK courts to make them democratic when EU courts and law remain supreme to UK law because EU courts and the EU itself is not elected, has never been elected and will never be elected or accountable to the people of Britain and Europe.
The process of how the EU conducts itself and is elected has nothing to do with the Greek courts. You have a weak argument about whether or not the Briton should be extradited and have therefore turned it into your typical supranationalism and I hate EU argument. It has little relevance to the case in hand.



Because no party leader knows the entire manifesto, which is why I find it strange that trick questions are not asked of the Lib/Lab/Con leaders also - but speaking of party politics regardless I find it strange how the Liberal Democrats all of a sudden dropped all of their opposition to spending cuts and on a number of other issues as soon as they had the chance to form a government - the same goes for the Conservative Party.
So you think going up against the likes of Paxman is easier than going against a standard BBC presenter with the charisma of a carrot? The other leaders were asked difficult questions but they coped with them, Pearson melted down, even you can't deny that. When asked questions on policy he tried to change the subject and at one point in a BBC interview even admitted UKIP's policy was insignificant before hearing how ridiculous he sounded and trying to deny he'd said it...it was caught on tape.

[-:Undertaker:-]

Lord Monckton? Fox News's go to guy, UKIP's deputy leader who has a degree in journalism? You must be kidding me, he hardly qualifies in a scientist. *Sigh*.

As far as I understand Lord Monckton doesn't work for Fox News so I have no idea why you [the left] has the need to bring in Fox News to attempt to slur people time and time again, I could say the same of the UK media with Michael White of the Guardian who is constantly on the BBC giving his opinion despite the fact he represents a small portion of the population who buy the Guardian newspaper.

Who determines who qualifies as a scientist? is there a special test you need to become a scientist? he is not offically a scientist no and nor does he claim to be one, however I believe he has challenged the likes of Al Gore to a debate (you know the guy whos made millions out of climate change, another champagne socialist) and has been turned down time and time again.

I have seen those 'debunking' videos and they also mock his character, which is what the left usually does when its out of things to say. The man states the facts such as the scientists measuring surface area rather than volume (ice and warmth temperatures) so back to what you said originally, no the majority of scientists do not agree on this man-made global warming runaway train.


I suggest you watch this video. The same reports he quotes debunk the very theories he preaches.

The video again, mocks things such as his talking in latin - what has that got to do with anything? I myself have done demographics in Geography and can back up what he says on demography and energy consumption - anyone who has covered the topic can back this up. I will post the video below. To conclude or to add to this, we have found numerous government-funded studies debunked and actually caught fixing data. If you are in flux on the issue (as I used to be and as you should at least be), then the simple solution is not to throw money at a problem - especially when if that problem does infact exist, it would only help food stocks across the world grow and not decline.



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ne-X_vFWMlw
(more a hitback video whislt at Copenhagen)


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UmFXA_dqQiU
(Monckton in an actual debate/discussion with a scientist)



The EU's relationship with the UK in terms of the law is based on the process of factortame. This means that it is agreed that the UK courts only surrender to the EU on certain issues which the UK has agreed to. It may change the terms of factortame as it wishes and therefore remains supranational in all areas.

Of course, so as I said earlier; EU Law and Courts are supreme to UK Law and Courts so I do thank you for that gracious climbdown. While we remain outside of the EU on issues such as monetary sovereignty and other areas (which the Liberal Democrats would be all too glad to hand over) then we still have the ultimate pullout tool of the European Union.

I will phrase Jean Monnet (one of the founding fathers of 'Europe') to state simply why I believe the UK should stop the transfer of powers and reclaim powers that the European Union has taken away, because whether you (and others) like to believe or not - the EU project is a federalist project which will end this country and will end British democracy, the oldest in the world.

"Europe's nations should be guided towards the superstate without their people understanding what is happening... This can be accomplished by successive steps, each disguised as having economic purpose, but which will eventually and irreversibly lead to federation." - Jean Monnet


The process of how the EU conducts itself and is elected has nothing to do with the Greek courts. You have a weak argument about whether or not the Briton should be extradited and have therefore turned it into your typical supranationalism and I hate EU argument. It has little relevance to the case in hand.

It has nothing to do with Greek courts - exactly. It has something to do with the European Union (well everything to do with the EU, otherwise he would not be extradited under this warrant in the first place) and my problem is the fact that he is being sent to a foreign country to stand trial without any evidence or control being exercised by British authorities.

Maybe if you are ever facing 18 months in a foreign jail and your government leaves you, you'll sit and think about the issue and have some care. Was it not the Liberal Democrats who campaigned against extending the time that British police can detain terror suspects? - yet at the same time have no problem with somebody being sent to a foreign prison for upto 18 months whilst awaiting trial.

Double standards time and time again.



So you think going up against the likes of Paxman is easier than going against a standard BBC presenter with the charisma of a carrot? The other leaders were asked difficult questions but they coped with them, Pearson melted down, even you can't deny that. When asked questions on policy he tried to change the subject and at one point in a BBC interview even admitted UKIP's policy was insignificant before hearing how ridiculous he sounded and trying to deny he'd said it...it was caught on tape.

That policy was insignifigant, and the likes of Paxman are very good because they grill just about everyone (including Farage before the election) - what I don't agree with is singling out Lord Pearson (who did fall flat on the floor) and then having the likes of yourself parade it about when your own leader never has to face the same heat that Pearson did as a result of the BBC bias.

The policy was insignifigant, not a major policy (I recall it was on getting retired police back on the streets?) and does not provoke debate at all. So of course they chose to pick that subject rather than the popular policies of withdrawal from the EU, more prison building, a referendum system introduced, the banning of the burka + many more.

It cannot be one sided.