Self-defence rights 'stronger' under Tories

Burglars "leave their human rights outside" the moment they break in to someone else's property, said Tory leader David Cameron. He said a Tory government would strengthen the law to protect householders who exercise their "legitimate" right to self-defence when confronted by an intruder.

“It’s to make sure that fewer cases, frankly, are taken to court, that fewer people are arrested for doing what I think is perfectly legitimate, which is to defend yourself in your own home,” he said.

“The moment a burglar steps over your threshold, and invades your property, with all the threat that gives to you, your family and your livelihood, I think they leave their human rights outside.”

He said that under the Conservative proposals, householders would only face prosecution if they used “grossly disproportionate” force against a burglar.

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