Law Society
response to Government consultation on a Bill of
Rights
The Human Rights Act should be
retained, not replaced with a Bill of Rights.
Law Society president John
Wotton said the Act strikes a careful balance between safeguarding
fundamental rights and preserving parliamentary
sovereignty.
In its response to the
Government consultation, the Law Society recommends a comprehensive
programme of public education to promote public understanding
of the Act, including the British role in creation of the European
Court of Human Rights.
Law Society president John
Wotton added:
“Additional rights can be
added to the Human Rights Act, but not taken away, based on full
public consultation, creating a single document enshrining
domestically enforceable rights.
“Those additional rights
might, for example include trial by jury, and habeas
corpus.
“Public consultation on
amending the Human Rights Act should include consideration of
certain economic and social rights, such as adequate housing,
employment, health and education, to which the UK has agreed to be
bound by ratifying the International Covenant on Economic, Social
and Cultural Rights.”
Ends
Contact Rebecca Kiernan, Law
Society press office, on 020 7316 5592