Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Human Rights

Tuesday 16 March 2021 · 4 questions

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 1 Partly answered 3 Not answered 0

Key points

  • UK government reviewing the Human Rights Act 1998 through Sir Peter Gross's review
  • Minister affirms agreement to protect the right to peaceful protest
  • Scotland's human rights assurances are agreed upon, with no plan to repudiate ECHR obligations

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Gavin Newlands SNP
Standards & Ethics
Context

The Human Rights Act 1998 is under a long-term review process.

Question

What plans does the government have to amend the Human Rights Act 1998?

Answer from Chris Philp

The UK has a tradition of securing human rights, and the operation of the Human Rights Act is being reviewed by Sir Peter Gross. The review considers whether the Act needs updating after 20 years but there are no plans to repudiate ECHR obligations or leave the Council of Europe.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific details on planned amendments or changes were not provided

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Q2 Allan Dorans
Crime & Law Enforcement Democracy & Elections
Context

The Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Bill has faced criticism from campaigners like Liberty for potentially undermining protest rights.

Question

Does the Minister agree that as the Bill moves through Parliament it should be guided by the principle of the right to peaceful assembly and protest?

Answer from Chris Philp

I agree that fundamental human rights must be protected, including the right to peaceful protest. The Bill respects other people's rights and need of emergency vehicles to secure safe passage, contrary to claims by Liberty and others.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific concerns about undermining protest were not directly addressed

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Q3 Amy Callaghan
Scotland
Context

The Scottish Government has expressed concerns about undermining the UK's commitment to the European Convention on Human Rights.

Question

Does the Minister agree it is crucial that assurances are given to Scotland regarding human rights?

Answer from Chris Philp

Yes, the Minister agrees and assures that there is no plan to repudiate obligations under the European Convention on Human Rights or leave the Council of Europe. The Scottish Government's views are heard and respected in the review process.

Answered
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Q4 Gavin Newlands SNP
Scotland
Context

Concerns about the impact of human rights review on the distinct legal system of Scotland.

Question

Does the Minister agree that when published the review should include a commitment not to impinge on the integrity of Scottish law?

Answer from Chris Philp

There is no intention to interfere with Scotland's legal system, although concerns were raised by Lord Hope regarding the independence of Scotland's prosecutors.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific commitment not to impinge on Scottish law integrity was not explicitly given

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