Kenneth Clarke: Britain’s anti-torture policy must be strengthened

We need strong and effective intelligence services. But we should demonstrate that this can be combined with decent and ethical standards of civilised conduct.

WATCH: Lidington – “We are neither shutting our eyes nor holding our noses” to Assad’s other war crimes

As well as punishing the use of chemical weapons, “we are seeking to hold Assad to account at the UN Security Council…despite the fact that he is protected by Russia”.

Steven Woolfe: The constant litigation against our soldiers must stop

Major Robert Campbell faces investigation for the eighth time for the same allegation, despite being cleared time and time again. When will the Government halt this taxpayer funded bananza for human rights lawyers?

Why the Americans make such rotten imperialists

Amy Chua says they are blind to the decisive importance of tribal politics – an obliviousness which extends to America itself, and prepared the way for Trump.

Alex Morton: It’s time to turn the Department for International Development into a Department for Humanitarian Relief

At a time when austerity continues, we need to be explain that we are not wasting taxpayers’ money on a grand delusion that we can create prosperity.

Benedict Rogers: Britain must honour Major’s promise that ‘Hong Kong will never have to walk alone’

China is disregarding its pledge of ‘one country, two systems’ – as a result the rule of law in the territory is under threat from growing autocracy.

The mighty edifice of human rights rests on no coherent philosophy

Noel Malcolm warns that the European Court of Human Rights has become a threat to democracy.

Michael Bates: During this Christmas season, it’s time to stand up for religious freedom – and that of those who don’t believe at all

The number and proportion of conflicts around the world with a religious dimension is increasing. In 2001, 44 per cent; in 2013, 60 per cent.

Ryan Shorthouse: Conservatives should champion human rights, at home and abroad

Faced with the real electoral threat of a nationalising, socialistic Labour Government, these principles should matter and be championed now more than ever.

Dan Dolan: Britain’s secretive assistance to abusive foreign security forces must end

If the Government is serious about having this country be a ‘moral leader’, it must be more transparent about dealings which may compromise our values.

Benedict Rogers: The plight of Burma’s Muslims is stoking Islamist extremism here – one of many reasons why Britain must act

Britain should call in the Burmese ambassador, suspend its training programme with the Burma Army, and continue to press at the UN.

Gerard Miles: Hong Kong is a battleground between tyranny and the rule of law. Conservatives must pick a side.

As China imprisons three young democracy campaigners, Britain has a moral and legal responsibility to speak out.

If Stormont is to be overridden on gay marriage, it must be by Parliament

Ulster citizens deserve the same marriage rights as their fellow Britons. But a recent bid to secure them through the courts was wrong.

Rebecca Lowe Coulson: If gender, or even race, is a choice, what becomes of the fight against prejudice?

Much of the 20th century fight for liberation involved explaining that it was wrong to discriminate on the grounds of someone’s unchangeable nature.

James Frayne: Five bits of advice that May’s new Communications Director should give her

“We’re badly trailing in the polls. Corbyn’s up and you’re down. You hired me to get things done and tell you how I see it. Here goes.”