Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Strengthening Human Rights

Tuesday 21 February 2023 · 3 questions

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

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 0 Partly answered 3 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Hannah Bardell inquired about recent discussions on strengthening human rights, highlighting concerns about aligning the Bill of Rights with international standards.
  • Alison Thewliss questioned the Secretary of State about the threat of withdrawing from the ECHR to marginalised communities, emphasizing the protection of rights within the UK's legal framework.
  • Hannah Bardell pressed the Secretary of State to agree with the Joint Committee on Human Rights' stance that the UK Government should not reform the Human Rights Act without devolved nations' consent.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Hannah Bardell SNP
Ukraine Democracy & Elections Foreign Affairs
Context

The MP is concerned about recent discussions regarding human rights legislation and its implications.

Question

Whether he has had recent discussions with Cabinet colleagues on strengthening human rights. The Bill of Rights aims to limit the abuse of human rights, but concerns arise over whether this aligns with broader international standards and collaborative efforts in upholding human rights.

Answer from Dominic Raab

We introduced the Bill of Rights to this House, which will limit the abuse of human rights and restore some common sense. I have regular discussions with my colleagues, particularly the Foreign Secretary, on the work that we are doing to support the International Criminal Court and end impunity for war crimes in Ukraine.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The answerer did not specify whether there were recent discussions specifically about strengthening human rights within the UK framework.

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Q2 Alison Thewliss SNP
Women & Equalities
Context

Lee Marsons of the Public Law Project highlighted concerns that withdrawing from the European Convention on Human Rights poses a specific threat to marginalised communities, including those in the LGBTQ+ community.

Question

Does the Secretary of State understand that human rights are for us all and that withdrawing from the ECHR is a specific threat to marginalised communities, whose hard-won rights should not be undermined? The concern is about protecting these rights within the UK's legal framework as we move forward with reforms.

Answer from Dominic Raab

I remind the hon. Lady that this Government introduced single-sex marriage—I did so proudly, along with my colleagues—and there is nothing in our reforms that would undo the important work we have achieved.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The answer does not directly address concerns about withdrawal from the ECHR and its impact on marginalised communities.

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Q3 Hannah Bardell SNP
Democracy & Elections Standards & Ethics
Context

The Joint Committee on Human Rights has advised against pursuing reform of the Human Rights Act without consent from the devolved administrations.

Question

Given that the Joint Committee on Human Rights has said clearly that the UK Government should not pursue reform of the Human Rights Act 1998 without the consent of the devolved nations, will the Secretary of State promise right here, right now that he agrees with that and that his Government will not roll back or interfere with our human rights? The MP is requesting a clear commitment to respect the recommendations made by the JCHR.

Answer from Dominic Raab

The hon. Lady will be shocked to know that I did not agree with all the contents of the JCHR report, but I refer to the statements we have made on how we have approached the devolved Administrations. I have personally been to all the nations of the United Kingdom to speak to not only politicians and Government officials, but academics and practitioners. We will continue that engagement and I am sure we will get the right thing for all people and all citizens of the UK.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The answer does not provide a clear commitment regarding adherence to JCHR guidelines or assurance about not rolling back human rights protections without consent from devolved nations.

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