Human Rights Legislation

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The MP questioned whether the proposals would undermine the rule of law and weaken civil liberties. He highlighted concerns over the impact on deportations, freedom of speech, and the right to trial by jury.

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The MP supported the proposals and urged for robust protections in the UK Bill of Rights. He emphasised the importance of reinforcing Parliament's role in interpreting human rights.

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The MP expressed deep concern over the state of criminal justice, citing record backlogs, out-of-control drug use in prisons, and low prosecution rates for rape. He accused the government of political posturing by focusing on Human Rights Act reform rather than fixing the system's failings.

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The MP praised Sir Peter Gross's report on human rights reforms and suggested that sensible changes should undergo pre-legislative scrutiny. He emphasised the importance of not inadvertently permitting legislation to go directly to Strasbourg, undermining domestic security protections.

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Asked for empirical evidence for reforms and confirmation that every provision in the ECHR will be adhered to. He also questioned the consistency of different Ministers' responses on adherence to the ECHR.

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Asked if reforms will address concerns over article 8 and illegal immigration, highlighting the Nationality and Borders Bill.

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Asked for confirmation that proposals will not hinder enforcement of rights or increase costs, highlighting concerns about previous Conservative promises.

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Asked about efforts to reform the ECHR court.

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Challenged contradictory stance on keeping ECHR but removing Human Rights Act, demanding a list of cases where British judges have been hamstrung by European law.

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Does my right hon. Friend agree that recent court judgments appear to have extended privacy law in this country against the provision of section 12 of the existing Human Rights Act and without the debate or approval of Parliament? Can he say whether his reforms will strengthen section 12 to right the balance, and will he stress once again the importance of freedom of expression?

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After the Hillsborough disaster, it was the Human Rights Act that helped victims’ families have their voices heard. The Act is a cornerstone of the Good Friday agreement. Why do the Government seek to create uncertainty and jeopardy in Northern Ireland just for political posturing?

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Does my right hon. Friend agree that his reforms must strengthen the role of Parliament and UK courts rather than relying on judgments from Strasbourg?

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Will it be a matter of pick and mix from the articles contained in the convention? What is the point of being signatories to the ECHR if only certain articles are felt appropriate?

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When speaking with politicians from former Soviet countries, they value the ECHR as a protector of western democratic values. Will he say he wants to back the ECHR and its democratic values?

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Not only have the Government come for trade union rights, voting rights, protest rights, now human rights are up for grabs. Today’s statement does nothing to strengthen human rights and everything to weaken them.

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Will he be clear that we need to challenge the very principle of natural rights, which gave rise to the Human Rights Act? Will my right hon. Friend conduct a root and branch reform?

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During the course of devolution, Wales has developed a distinct body of law. In Wales, we learn fast. How will the proposed consultation not undermine the Senedd’s ability to protect and promote human rights in Wales?

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The welcome reforms are long overdue and now urgent. Will my right hon. Friend guarantee that primary legislation to implement them will be introduced before the summer recess of 2022?

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With legislation I always look at where the drive for it comes from. I cannot find it supported by academic or legal communities. It is increasingly clear that it comes from the right wing of the Conservative party and Back Benchers. Will the Secretary of State look at serious leaders in the newspapers?

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I support the Secretary of State's statement but need convincing that staying in the European Court of Human Rights and the Council of Europe will make a difference. I want to be assured that after passing this, we will be able to deport illegal migrants effectively.

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Adam Wagner, a leading human rights lawyer and expert, suggests that these proposals may be the first in history to enact a Bill of Rights that reduces rather than increases rights. Are the Government proud of this description?

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Gypsies and Travellers deliberately building permanent, unauthorized structures against planning regulations. When local authorities seek to enforce these laws, they are overruled by the Human Rights Act. Will reforms help balance the planning system so it applies equally to everyone?

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The Lord Chancellor's statement made only cursory reference to the devolved regions. The Human Rights Act was critical in the Good Friday agreement negotiations, has proved crucial for victims and survivors, and provides safeguards in all areas of life. Has he received specific legal advice on the interaction of his proposals with Northern Ireland?

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The residents of Blackpool are sick and tired of the Human Rights Act being abused by foreign criminals so they can remain in the UK. Will measures help to make it easier to deport dangerous foreign criminals alongside our new Nationality and Borders Bill?

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Is the consultation about giving more power to the Executive with fewer challenges to it? Will reforms prevent accountability through cases being brought to courts on rights against torture, medical experimentation, or discrimination against disabled people?

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The Secretary of State said that hon. Members in this House must have the last word on the law, but there are three other lands/nations only partially under Westminster's jurisdiction. Will he guarantee that if devolved Parliaments seek to grant higher levels of human rights protection, these rights will be respected?

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This is the third or fourth attempt by Tory Governments to fillet the Human Rights Act. It mainly disadvantages ordinary citizens, more decisions will go to Strasbourg. Will he look at measures again to see if they are coherent?

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To what extent does the proposed change affect the best interests of children as per the Children Act 1989 or our obligations under the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child?