Overview

• The ECHR rejected a cross-party challenge by Ben Bradshaw, Caroline Lucas and Alyn Smith over alleged government inaction on Russian meddling in 2014-19 votes.
• The court acknowledged shortcomings in the UK’s early response but ruled its actions fell within the wide margin of appreciation under Article 3 of Protocol 1.
• Strasbourg judges held the MPs failed to prove personal harm or an impaired electoral process and thus lacked victim status under the convention.
• The ruling noted two domestic inquiries, including the 2020 Intelligence and Security Committee Russia report, and the National Security Act 2023 as remedial measures.
• The judgment underscores the balance between state discretion and human rights duties in countering foreign interference and protecting democratic integrity.