Speech

World Day Against the Death Penalty 2021: UK statement

UK Ambassador Neil Bush reaffirms the UK's longstanding policy to oppose the death penalty in all circumstances, as a matter of principle.

• From: Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office and Neil Bush
• Published: 21 October 2021

This was published under the 2019 to 2022 Johnson Conservative government

• Delivered on: 21 October 2021 (Transcript of the speech, exactly as it was delivered)

Thank you Madam Chair.

We thank the EU for placing this topic on the agenda to ensure we mark, and reflect on, the World Day against the Death Penalty which was on Sunday 10 October.

The United Kingdom has a longstanding policy to oppose the Death Penalty in all circumstances, as a matter of principle.  We believe that its use undermines human dignity, that there is no conclusive evidence of its deterrent value, and that any miscarriage of justice leading to its imposition is irreversible and irreparable. 

The UK Government lobbies governments bilaterally to establish moratoriums or abolish the death penalty, and continues to fund projects dedicated to abolishing the death penalty, and to partner with leading NGOs to reduce its use around the world.

Madam Chair,

We remain concerned by the continuing use of the death penalty in the OSCE area and call for a moratorium on executions as a first step towards full abolition. 

Thank you.

Published 21 October 2021