Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Human Rights

Tuesday 18 October 2022 · 5 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 2 Not answered 0

Key points

  • The Government stands by its manifesto commitment to update the Human Rights Act 1998 and is looking at the Bill of Rights to ensure effective delivery on objectives.
  • The government is determined to introduce legislation to deal with SLAPPs and protect freedom of speech more widely.
  • The government remains committed to delivering manifesto pledges and will continue engaging with devolved authorities but does not commit to stopping reforms based on the Scottish Parliament's opinion.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Drew Hendry SNP
Context

The question is prompted by ongoing discussions within the government regarding human rights legislation.

Question

What recent discussions has the Minister had with Cabinet colleagues on strengthening human rights in the UK?

Answer from Brandon Lewis

The Government stands by their manifesto commitment to update the Human Rights Act 1998. They are looking again at the Bill of Rights to ensure delivery on objectives effectively. The government remains a committed party to the European Convention on Human Rights.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not provide specific details about recent discussions or concrete actions taken.

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Q2 Desmond Swayne Con New Forest West
Standards & Ethics
Context

The question arises from concerns about the abuse of legal systems to silence journalists, campaigners and public bodies.

Question

Has the Secretary of State proposals to protect free speech from SLAPPs?

Answer from Brandon Lewis

Yes. The government is determined to introduce legislation to deal with SLAPPs and protect freedom of speech more widely, including through targeted anti-SLAPP reforms.

Answered
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Q3 Drew Hendry SNP
Standards & Ethics
Context

The question stems from criticism of the government's intent to remove protections under the Human Rights Act.

Question

Why are the Government so intent on removing these protections when the Act already grants flexibility?

Answer from Brandon Lewis

The minister highlights the need to protect freedom of speech from cancel culture and ensures targeted anti-SLAPP reforms will deliver through a statutory definition, identifying characteristics, and cost protections for SLAPPs cases.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not directly address why existing protections are being removed despite Act's flexibility.

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Q4 Anne McLaughlin SNP
Northern Ireland Scotland Wales Democracy & Elections
Context

The question arises from concerns about the implications of changes to the Human Rights Act for Scotland's devolved authority.

Question

Does the Secretary of State agree with Professor Aileen McHarg that changes to the Human Rights Act will affect devolved competence?

Answer from Brandon Lewis

The government is committed to delivering manifesto pledges and doing the right thing for the UK. They have consulted all devolved authorities throughout the process of looking at the Bill of Rights.

Not addressed: Did not address whether changes will affect devolved competence or need Scottish Parliament consent.

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Q5 Anne McLaughlin SNP
Standards & Ethics
Context

The question follows from concerns about dismissing the views of Scotland in relation to human rights.

Question

Will the Secretary of State stop tinkering with human rights if the Scottish Parliament says no?

Answer from Brandon Lewis

The government remains committed to delivering manifesto pledges and will continue engaging but does not commit to stopping reforms based on Scottish Parliament's opinion.

Not addressed: Did not commit to respecting Scottish Parliament's views or stop reforms if they say no.

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