The UK creation of a Bill of Rights would seek to incorporate and build on all our obligations under the European Convention on Human Rights ensuring that these rights continue to be enshrined in UK law, protecting and extending our civil liberties.
On 11 July 2012, the Commission on a Bill of Rights published a second consultation seeking further views on whether a UK Bill of Rights is needed, and if so, in what form it should take. The Commission published its first discussion paper seeking views on whether a UK Bill of Rights was needed back in August 2011.
This second consultation seeks further views from the public and asks questions that build on the 2011 Discussion Papers and concentrates on whether or not a UK Bill of Rights is needed at all, and if so, in what form and what the content of any such Bill might be. The consultation additionally seeks views on:
- If a UK Bill of Rights were introduced should it replace or sit alongside the Human Rights Act 1998;
- Whether a UK Bill of Rights should include additional rights such as environmental and children’s rights; and
- Should the definition of “public authority” be amended in any UK Bill of Rights and should the duty to take into account Strasbourg case law be maintained or modified.
The consultation closes 30 September 2012. Those wishing to express their views can send them by post or email to responses@commissiononabillofrights.gsi.gov.uk