Here is the council's take on Human Rights as advised to me by the Council Solicitor - Licensing:-
As regards the Human Rights Act, the Council is committed to acting in accordance with all Equalities and Human Rights requirements as set out in their Fairness and Respect, Diversities and Respect Scheme
http://www.edinburgh.gov.uk/downloads/f ... _2009-2012.
As you will appreciate, Human Rights is a constantly developing area of law and the courts are constantly explaining,refining and expanding the various concepts within the European Convention on Human Rights.
So, I was somewhat wrong. The council has given consideration to Human Rights.
It's prepared to consider your rights if you're black, yellow brown or tartan.
It will consider your rights if you're gay, bi, or transgender.
It will consider your rights if you're a catholic, a Buddhist, a Moslem a Jew or a Jane.
It will consider your rights if you're if you're Irish, Chinese or, I guess, even Libyan.
But it hasn't considered, and indeed does not intend to consider, your rights if you are a humble taxi driver, who is being castigated under civil procedure according to the CGSA, or if you simply desire the equality of opportunity to drive your own taxi.
Nor does it intend to consider your rights if you're a member of the public who just wants to get home and can't hail a taxi.
Perhaps the clue is in the point made that the Law is being refined, and that CEC has taken the decision to let the Courts decide how it should conduct itself.
Brill. Except CEC's lack of adherence to Human Rights is just going to cause licence and taxpayers' shedloads of their hard pressed cash.
Under the circumstances, knowing the issues were raised BEFORE they took their action to suspend a licence, when the Courts do find against them, shouldn't Nick Stormonth, Donald Macleod, Cllr Keir and every member of the RC and licensing sub-committee resign or stand down and never be heard in public office again?
Wouldn't that be the honourable thing to do for failing in their public duty to protect rights, and ignoring the matter when it was brought to their attention?