Human Rights Framework Reform 2022-05-24
2022-05-24
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
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Context
The Human Rights Act 1998 is under scrutiny for proposed reforms that aim to replace it with a Bill of Rights.
What recent discussions has the Secretary had with Cabinet colleagues on proposed reforms to the UK's human rights framework?
As announced in Her Majesty's Gracious Speech, the Government will replace the Human Rights Act 1998 with a Bill of Rights to be introduced in this parliamentary Session.
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Assessment & feedback
Specific details about recent discussions with Cabinet colleagues were not provided
As Announced
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Q2
Partial Answer
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Context
There is a recommendation from the Joint Committee on Human Rights to ensure that any changes to the Human Rights Act have the consent of the devolved Administrations.
Will the Secretary follow last year's recommendation of the Joint Committee on Human Rights and ensure that there are no changes to the Human Rights Act—the provisions of which are embedded in the Scotland Act 1998—without the consent of the devolved Administrations? If that consent is withheld, what message does he think it will send to citizens across the devolved nations?
I thank the hon. Lady. As she knows, we will assess the question of the applicability of the Sewel convention when the full Bill of Rights text is provided. This reform will strengthen free speech but curb the ability of criminals to take advantage and abuse the system.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not directly address whether changes will be made without consent or message to citizens if withheld
We Will Assess
This Reform Will Strengthen
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Q3
Direct Answer
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Context
There is a high volume of successful challenges, on human rights grounds, of deportation orders by foreign national offenders.
Does my right hon. Friend agree that reform of our human rights framework will help to prevent foreign national offenders from avoiding deportation and help to restore some public confidence in our human rights legislation?
My hon. Friend is right. The still high volume—around 70%—of successful challenges, on human rights grounds, of deportation orders by foreign national offenders is on article 8 grounds. That is exactly the kind of thing that our reforms will address and the public across the UK will welcome.
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Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q4
Partial Answer
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Context
Cross-party MPs have found that the current Justice Secretary presided over a disaster in relation to Afghanistan, raising questions about his suitability for handling fundamental legislation.
Given that cross-party MPs today found that the now Justice Secretary presided over a 'disaster and betrayal of our allies' and lack of seriousness in Afghanistan, why should he be allowed anywhere near such fundamental legislation?
I am surprised that the SNP has nothing to say on the issues at hand in relation to criminal justice, whether in Scotland or in the rest of the UK.
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Assessment & feedback
Surprised
Nothing To Say
Response accuracy