First Minister highlights support for ECHR ahead of 75th anniversary
Ahead of the 75th anniversary of the signing of the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR), the First Minister has reiterated Scotland’s commitment to human rights, equality and dignity for all.
The First Minister said: “Signed in the aftermath of World War II, with the aim of preventing the atrocities of war happening again in Europe, the ECHR has stood as a pillar to ensure human rights are upheld for the past 75 years.
“In the face of ongoing political attacks against it from some quarters, I want to be clear that I wholeheartedly support the ECHR and membership of the Council of Europe and the vital role it plays to protect human rights.
“If the UK ever left the ECHR, people in Scotland would lose the ability to challenge violations in the European Court, and the UK would be sending an appalling message on the international stage. That is not the future that I want for Scotland, and we must stand firm in championing human rights.
“The ECHR has been critical in securing justice for ordinary people in their everyday lives – including protecting freedom of religion in the workplace and supporting LGBT rights. With some increasingly extreme political voices advocating against these rights, I believe it is vital that those of us who believe in human rights and equality redouble our efforts to stand behind them.”
Cover European Convention – living instrument
The European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR) was signed by members of the Council of Europe, including the UK, in Rome on 4 November 1950. The UK was one of the first states to ratify it in 1951.
Ten people are in hospital – nine with life-threatening injuries – after a multiple stabbing attack on the 18:25 train service from Doncaster to London King’s Cross last night.
Police were alerted to the incident in a series of calls from passengers at around 7.40pm.
The train then made an unscheduled stop at Huntingdon, where armed police boarded the London-bound train and arrested two suspects and injured passengers were taken to hospital.
Statement following incident at Huntingdon – Cambridgeshire
In their latest statement, issued at 00:47 this morning (Sunday), British Transport Police said: ‘We can confirm that at 7.42pm today (1 November) British Transport Police were called to reports of a multiple stabbing on board the 6.25pm train service from Doncaster to London King’s Cross.
‘Officers immediately attended Huntingdon station alongside paramedics.
‘Armed police from Cambridgeshire Police boarded the train and arrested two people in connection to the incident who have been taken to police custody.
‘Ten people have been taken to hospital with nine believed to have suffered life-threatening injuries. One is being treated for non life-threatening injuries. There have been no fatalities.
‘This has been declared a major incident and Counter Terrorism Policing are supporting our investigation whilst we work to establish the full circumstances and motivation for this incident.
Chief Superintendent Chris Casey said:“This is a shocking incident and first and foremost my thoughts are with those who have been injured this evening and their families.
“We’re conducting urgent enquiries to establish what has happened, and it could take some time before we are in a position to confirm anything further. At this early stage it would not be appropriate to speculate on the causes of the incident.
“Our response is ongoing at the station and will be for some time. Cordons are in place and trains are not currently running through the area, and there are also some road closures.
“I thank the public for their patience and their cooperation this evening which has already greatly assisted our policing response. We will update you again as soon as we have more information.”
‘Anyone with information who hasn’t already spoken to police is asked to contact BTP by texting 61016 quoting reference 663 of 01/11/25.’
Updated statement following incident at Huntingdon Station – Cambridgeshire
BRITISH TRANSPORT POLICE -STATEMENT 10.45am
A statement from Superintendent John Loveless which was delivered at the scene of Huntingdon station this morning:
“This is a shocking incident and my thoughts are with those who have been injured and their families.
At 7.42pm we were called to reports of a multiple stabbing on board the 6.25pm train service from Doncaster to London King’s Cross
Officers immediately attended Huntingdon station alongside paramedics, where armed police from Cambridgeshire Police boarded the train and arrested two people within 8 minutes of the first 999 call. The two men remain in police custody.
A 32-year-old man, a black British national, and a 35-year-old man, a British national of Caribbean descent, were both arrested on suspicion of attempted murder. Both were born in the UK. They remain in police custody this morning for questioning.
Ten people were taken to hospital by ambulance and another person self-presented at hospital later that evening. While nine were initially believed to have life-threatening injuries, following assessment and treatment, four have been discharged and two patients remain in a life-threatening condition.
We declared a major incident yesterday and Counter Terrorism Policing were initially supporting our investigation however at this stage there is nothing to suggest this is a terrorist incident. This is a British Transport Police investigation. We continue work to establish the full circumstances and motivation for this incident. At this early stage it would not be appropriate to speculate on the causes of the incident.
The station remains closed, but we expect trains to be passing through the station from this morning. Passengers will see a high visibility presence of police officers at stations and on trains throughout today who are there to reassure the public and respond to any concerns.
I’d like to thank the public for their patience and their cooperation yesterday evening which has already greatly assisted our investigation – as well as the multi-agency response from the emergency services including our colleagues at Cambridgeshire Police, East of England Ambulance Service, Cambridgeshire Fire and Rescue Service, and Counter Terrorism Policing.
Lastly – I’d appeal for anyone with information, who hasn’t already spoken to police, to contact BTP by texting 61016 quoting reference 663 of 01/11/25.”
