EU plans a power grab of Britain's legal rights: Eurocrats plot to extend control over justice system Eurocrats are plotting to extend their control over the British justice system and introduce new "fundamental" human rights to go on strike, claim benefits and give the vote to prisoners. Existing rules allow Brussels to issue edicts and fine the UK government on matters covered by EU law, such as the environment and freedom of movement. But under plans by the European Commission's vice president, it would assume far greater powers over life in the UK. For the first time, Britain would be bound by law to uphold the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights. This would make EU-appointed judges the final arbiter of human rights legislation. Viviane Reding, in front of the headquarters of the European Commission, admits her masterplan is a huge step down the road to a 'federal' Europe It would also grant citizens specific rights not included in either Labour's Human Rights Act or the European Convention on Human Rights. These could include a right to strike, potentially destroying Margaret Thatcher's reforms on secondary picketing. There would also be the right to claim benefits and social housing if in need and, most controversially, the right for everyone to vote in elections. The UK has so far resisted an order from the European Court of Human Rights in Strasbourg that prisoners must be given the vote. The ECHR, which is not an EU body, has only limited powers to enforce human rights law and cannot impose financial penalties on countries. Her proposals drew a furious response from Justice Secretary Chris Grayling However, if the EU's European Court of Justice is allowed to take ultimate responsibility for upholding the "rule of law," it could hit Britain with huge fines or even reduce our voting rights at Brussels if we do not comply. EC vice president Viviane Reding, from Luxembourg, admits her masterplan is a huge step down the road to a "federal" Europe. She said that, if successful, it would mean the EU assuming powers over Britain which are similar to those the US Supreme Court holds over individual member states. But she insisted that, if there is to be equality across Europe, every country must be subject to the same rules. Currently, Britain has an opt-out from the Charter of Fundamental Rights. Miss Reding also wants there to be a single justice minister for all member countries of the EU. Last night, her proposals drew a furious response from Justice Secretary Chris Grayling. He said: "At a time when the European Union is still struggling through the biggest financial crisis in modern history, I simply cannot understand why there would be talk in terms of a European justice minister and the unification of all our justice systems. It really is time that EU officials started focusing on the real problems we all face and stopped chasing wholly unrealistic euro-ideologies. Stephen Booth, of the Open Europe think tank, said: "This is a fundamental and outright challenge to national governments" authority over their own legal systems."