International Treaties on Human Rights Obligations 2021-06-29
2021-06-29
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
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Context
The MP is concerned about the UK's compliance with international human rights treaties. He mentions that a Joint Committee on Human Rights report has criticised the Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Bill for restricting peaceful protest in ways inconsistent with human rights protections.
What steps have you taken to ensure the UK upholds its legal obligations under international treaties on human rights? The Joint Committee on Human Rights recently concluded that the Department's Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Bill will restrict peaceful protest 'in a way that we believe is inconsistent with our rights.' Does the Secretary of State reconsider his assertion that the Bill is compliant with the European convention on human rights?
I am happy to repeat the declaration made on the face of the Bill: its provisions are indeed compatible with the convention. I appreciate the work of the Joint Committee, but I disagree with their analysis regarding the balance between freedom of expression and maintaining order.
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Assessment & feedback
The Secretary of State did not reconsider his assertion that the Bill is compliant with human rights conventions despite criticism from the Joint Committee on Human Rights.
Disagreement With Analysis Without Concrete Changes
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
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Context
The MP challenges the Secretary of State's view on the relevance of international treaties, citing a statement by the UN special rapporteur that the Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Bill runs 'counter to the human rights direction' that the UK should be following.
In light of recent dismissals of international treaties, how relevant is the opinion of the UN special rapporteur who stated last week that the Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Bill runs counter to the human rights direction the UK needs to follow? Is the Secretary of State embarrassed by this?
We are entitled to disagree with the rapporteur's independent view strongly.
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Assessment & feedback
The Secretary of State did not address whether he is embarrassed by the UN special rapporteur's statement and instead maintained his disagreement without providing additional context or justification.
Maintaining Disagreement
No Further Explanation
Response accuracy
Q3
Partial Answer
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Context
The MP references the hon. Member for Ashfield who reportedly branded Travellers as thieves and criticises this stance. She highlights that the Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Bill is seen by the Gypsy, Roma and Traveller community as a threat to their traditional way of life.
Will the Secretary of State join in condemning the hon. Member for Ashfield who branded Travellers as thieves? The Bill is described as 'the single biggest threat' to their traditional way of life. Does he want to eradicate their nomadic lifestyle?
I have not seen the reported remarks by my hon. Friend but maintain principles of equality, inclusion, and diversity; however, interests can conflict between groups and balance is necessary.
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Assessment & feedback
The Secretary of State did not directly condemn the hon. Member for Ashfield's comments or acknowledge that the Bill may threaten the Gypsy, Roma, and Traveller community's way of life.
Maintaining Balance
Disagreeing With Reported Remarks Without Specifics
Response accuracy
Q4
Partial Answer
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Context
The MP raises concerns about the impact of the Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Bill on the rights and freedoms of the Gypsy, Roma, and Traveller communities. She cites criticisms from these groups regarding the potential erasure of their nomadic lifestyles.
Does the Secretary of State want to eradicate the traditional way of life of the Gypsy, Roma, and Traveller community as suggested by the Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Bill? Does he agree with hon. Member for Ashfield's comments branding Travellers as thieves?
I uphold principles of equality, inclusion, and diversity but note conflicts may arise between different groups; balance is maintained through legislation.
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Assessment & feedback
The Secretary of State did not directly address the impact on the Gypsy, Roma, and Traveller community's way of life or confirm/reject remarks about them being branded as thieves.
Upholding Principles
Noting Conflict Without Specifics
Response accuracy