British Prime Minister David Cameron told parliamentarians today that the 47 countries of the Council of Europe had a "once in a generation" chance to improve the cause of human rights, freedom and dignity.

"For the sake of the 800 million people the Court serves, we need to reform it so that it is true to its original purpose," Mr Cameron told the Parliamentary Assembly.

"Already 47 members are agreed on this, and great work has been done. Now we would like to use our Chairmanship to help progress that work. This is the right moment for reform – reforms that are practical, sensible and that enhance the reputation of the Court."

Speech

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