"Diplomatic immunity is a special law that covers people who work in embassies or consulates. The people are called diplomats. The diplomatic immunity means that although they live and work as a visitor inside a "host country", they are not ruled by the law of that country. They are only ruled by the law of their home country." - (C) Wikipedia.
The purpose of this proposal is not to question the purpose or use of diplomatic immunity as it's called. The point is to bring into question other political actors who are also active in political circles and are not able to enjoy similar protections.
It's different because politicians such as we have like MP's are at work in their home country of the UK and it would be incorrect to suggest they needed any further protection than they already have.
The truth is that MP's do not enjoy similar protections than diplomats who work abroad and it's important that they do experience these at home. The reasons are the same.
A diplomat heads overseas because they have work to do on behalf of the government who take their orders from others such as us, fellow MP's, cabinet minister's, the state's Civil Service, and also other important figures such as a Monarch. This is important and serious work.
The protections of "diplomatic immunity" mean this work can continue. It means it can even be carried out in hostile states. It doesn't guarantee life or protection against any and all adverse reactions or situations but it makes their work possible in a similar way to doing poitics at home. This is my point also when it comes to the work of MP's that they have to carry out at home.
The point is that politics is controversial and draws adverse opinions from the public. It's on the back (or basis) of these opinions that hostile acts are carried out. It does not mean free speech is under threat or should be. It means that realities exist whereby MP's also need additional protections to make sure their work is able to be carried out.
It makes it safer and worthwhile for all of us because we get the representation we need and also the government is able to benefit from the work of an MP. It wouldn't work without it.
The particulars or details of political immunity would need to be different because of its domestic nature i.e. it happens and is protected under law in the same state. It may involve talks with media entities and academic institutions over more practical matters of what it restricts and permits in future. Its case however is that MP's are under more threat without it and therefore it's necessary.
Posted: 18 July 2024.