RIGHT TO INTERPRETATION 'A LEAP FORWARD FOR EUROPEAN JUSTICE'

12.00.00am BST (GMT +0100) Wed 16th Jun 2010

North East MEP Fiona Hall has hailed as a "leap forward for European justice" today's European Parliament vote to give all EU citizens rights to interpretation and translations when they are questioned by police or tried in another EU country where they do not speak the language.

Liberal Democrat MEP Fiona Hall said:

"These measures are really good news for North East holidaymakers and business people who might face legal challenges in another EU country.

"There are too many cases where people find themselves accused of a crime abroad, but are unable to understand the details of the accusation or the proceedings that are applied against them.

"And as more people cross borders under EU free movement rights, there are unacceptable miscarriages of justice due to inadequate defence safeguards including lack of proper language provision.

"What the Parliament voted for today is effective, efficient and transparent justice.

"I am delighted that the Coalition Government has decided to opt into this legislation."