Q&A: Reforming European Court of Human Rights

The Strasbourg court's rulings affect 47 European countries - not just the EU

The UK says significant reforms of the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) have been agreed at a special conference in Brighton, on England's south coast.

The conference on 19-20 April resulted in a declaration by all 47 nations in the Council of Europe, which will modify the way the court handles human rights cases.

The Council of Europe, separate from the 27-nation EU, is Europe's main watchdog for human rights and democracy.

Why does the European Court matter to ordinary citizens?

Why was the conference significant?

Do the Strasbourg judges have too much power?

What prompted the UK to push so strongly for reform?

Is there any resistance to the UK Conservatives' position?

What connection does the ECHR have with the EU?