Human Rights Legislation 2024-01-09

2024-01-09

TAGS
Response quality

Questions & Answers

Q1 Partial Answer
Context
The adequacy of human rights legislation in the UK is under scrutiny.
What recent assessment has been made of the adequacy of human rights legislation?
The United Kingdom has a long-standing tradition of ensuring that rights and liberties are protected domestically and fulfilling international human rights obligations. We remain committed to a human rights framework that is up to date, fit for purpose, and works for the British people. Specific actions include the Illegal Migration Act 2023, the Victims and Prisoners Bill, and the Overseas Operations (Service Personnel and Veterans) Act 2021.
Assessment & feedback
Specific assessment of adequacy was not provided
Remains Committed Taking Action
Response accuracy
Q2 Partial Answer
Context
Concerns about the Rwanda Bill's compliance with convention rights.
The Rwanda Bill cannot guarantee compliance with vital convention rights. Does that not illustrate inadequacy of UK human rights legislation?
No, I reject that characterisation. The European convention on human rights provides a right to an effective remedy under article 13. Our legislation fulfils this requirement and safeguards rights while delivering interests of the British people.
Assessment & feedback
Specific guarantee about compliance with convention rights was not provided
Rejecting Characterisation Providing Alternative Argument
Response accuracy
Q3 Partial Answer
Context
Just Fair suggests a human rights bill for Scotland as a blueprint for UK legislation.
Will the Secretary of State commit to engaging with Scottish Government on their experience and expertise in enshrining social, economic and cultural rights in domestic law?
We agree on the common interest in advancing social and economic rights. However, it is questionable whether making these rights justiciable would lead to unnecessary litigation clogging up courts. The hon. Gentleman's principle is right, but I disagree with wanting more litigation.
Assessment & feedback
Specific commitment to engage was not provided
Disagreeing On Approach
Response accuracy
Q4 Partial Answer
Context
Justice Secretary's support for human rights and the ECHR is noted.
Given previous statements, will the Justice Secretary confirm his support for the Scottish approach to human rights legislation?
It is important not to conflate being a member of the European convention on human rights with giving effect to those rights. We already have the Human Rights Act 1998 and it is unclear if Scotland's Bill would advance UK-wide human rights, but we will listen carefully.
Assessment & feedback
Specific support for Scottish approach was not confirmed
Emphasizing Difference
Response accuracy
Q5 Partial Answer
Context
ECHR and HRA integral to Good Friday/Belfast agreement.
Does any attempt to overhaul ECHR and HRA from this place could have serious consequences for the communities in Northern Ireland?
We have a human rights framework that we consider important. We are mindful of points raised but satisfied we can deliver on British people's priorities, ensuring warm hearts and open front doors within international obligations.
Assessment & feedback
Specific consequences for Northern Ireland communities were not addressed
Mindful Of Concerns Satisfied With Approach
Response accuracy
Q6 Partial Answer
Context
An Albanian-speaking migrant successfully claimed inability to be deported to Serbia due to language issues.
Does this not demonstrate why we need urgent reform of asylum system and human rights laws to allow rapid deportation?
My hon. Friend is right that those who betray this nation's trust should not expect a warm welcome. We signed a prisoner transfer agreement with Albania to ensure deportation of illegal migrants, avoiding £49,000 annual cost for accommodation.
Assessment & feedback
Specific urgency for reform was not confirmed
Agreeing On Principle
Response accuracy
Q7 Partial Answer
Context
The question concerns the Justice Secretary's comments on the European Convention of Human Rights (ECHR), specifically regarding the Rwanda Bill which faces debate over its compliance with international legal obligations. The bill is contentious, particularly in terms of border protection policies.
When it comes to the Rwanda Bill, why is he failing to uphold the ECHR and the Human Rights Act, which embody so many of the legal principles that the people of these islands hold so dear?
Respectfully, I completely reject that characterisation. We are remaining within the four corners of our international legal obligations. Our legislation is novel and contentious, but it remains within the four corners of our international legal obligations and delivers on the proper, insistent requirements of the British people, which are that we protect our borders and ensure fairness for all—for not only the British people, but those who have played by the rules and done the right thing when they have come to the UK. They will always have a warm welcome in our country.
Assessment & feedback
The answerer did not directly address whether the bill complies with ECHR or Human Rights Act, instead affirming their commitment to legal obligations without specifics.
Respectfully, I Completely Reject That Characterisation.
Response accuracy
Q8 Partial Answer
Context
The question pertains to the Rwanda Bill's impact on devolved areas, particularly human rights which are under Scottish Parliament jurisdiction. The bill includes a statement about compliance with ECHR that cannot be guaranteed.
Of course, the Government state on the front page of the Rwanda Bill that they cannot guarantee that it complies with the ECHR, as the Justice Secretary well knows. The Bill also makes direct intrusions into devolved areas, because human rights are devolved to the Scottish Parliament. So will he confirm that a legislative consent motion will be sought from the Scottish Parliament on the safety of Rwanda?
There is nothing unusual about this, which is precisely why this provision was put in the Human Rights Act 1998. As for further LCMs, we will of course proceed in the normal way, and I will give that matter further consideration.
Assessment & feedback
The answerer did not confirm if an LCM would be sought from the Scottish Parliament, instead stating they would consider it.
As For Further Lcms, We Will Of Course Proceed In The Normal Way, And I Will Give That Matter Further Consideration.
Response accuracy