Archie Battersbee's family making urgent application to ECHR

The family of Archie Battersbee are making an urgent application to the European Court of Human Rights to stop his life support from being removed.

They were given until 9am this morning to submit the application after the Supreme Court yesterday refused an appeal. 

Barts Health NHS Trust has told the family that Archie's life support will be withdrawn at 11am if the application is not submitted in time. 

The family and their lawyers have expressed frustration at the tight deadline and the Trust's refusal to allow Archie to be moved to a hospice. 

"This is cruel and we are absolutely appalled," said Archie's mother, Hollie Dance. 

Following an application by the family, the United Nations Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UN CRPD) asked for a temporary stay on the withdrawal of Archie's life support while it considers his case.

The government said in its submissions to the Supreme Court that interventions by the UN CRPD are "not binding" under international law. 

Archie, 12, was found unconscious in his home in Southend, Essex, with a ligature around his neck. His mother thinks he may have been taking part in an online challenge.

He has never regained consciousness but Ms Dance maintains that she has seen improvements in her son and that he should be given more time to recover. 

His family are being supported by the Christian Legal Centre, who are asking for prayers. 

News
Northern Ireland conversion therapy bill is 'dangerous'
Northern Ireland conversion therapy bill is 'dangerous'

Conversion therapy bills are being considered in all parts of the United Kingdom. In Northern Ireland, MLAs are speaking out.

Backlash over Meryl Streep casting as Aslan in 'The Magician's Nephew'
Backlash over Meryl Streep casting as Aslan in 'The Magician's Nephew'

"It's an act of creative vandalism pretending to be artistic sophistication. It's more ideological slop produced by the machine that's given us plenty already," said one Texas pastor.

Nashville team uses AI to convert whole Bible into musical form
Nashville team uses AI to convert whole Bible into musical form

You can now listen to the whole Bible in musical form while you do your exercise.

People view religious education positively, study finds
People view religious education positively, study finds

The government is consulting on plans to add RE to the national curriculum.