Government joins Britain in opting out from charter

THE Government has joined a British justice group within the European Union in a move criticised by some MEPs as marginalising the country.

The move to form a core group with Britain that has opted out of Justice and the Charter of Rights under the new treaty, has been criticised by politicians and academics as a ploy by those within the government who have a problem with European integration.

Officials and ministers from the Department of Justice have worked closely with Britain on justice issues, which at EU level are agreed mainly between governments.