Call me back

To speak to a professional, please enter your details below or call 0151 735 1000

First Name
Surname
Email
Phone
Notes
Nature of Request I would like to receive future offers, information and correspondence via email, phone and post.

Please do not fill this field in, entering any data into this field will make the submission fail:

Consultation to begin desirability of UK bill of rights

The Government has established an independent commission to research and report on the pros and cons of creating a UK Bill of Rights to better implement the obligations contained in the European Convention on Human Rights.

At present, the Convention is implemented in the UK by the Human Rights Act of 1998 and policed ultimately by the European Court of Human Rights in Strasbourg. However, the current system has been criticised by many, including David Cameron, as lacking in democratic legitimacy and content. The commission is also due to look at possible reforms of the European Court system in readiness for the UK taking over chairmanship of the Council of Europe later this year, in an attempt to devolve further powers to the UK courts. However it has been stated that the commission's purpose is not to create a means of withdrawing from the Convention but rather to build upon the existing Human Rights Act in order to give greater, more detailed protections in all areas falling under the remit of the Convention.

It remains to be seen what emerges from a commission derived of an equal number of ardent Human Rights Act supporters and equally fervent skeptics.

The commission is expected to report on its findings by the end of 2012.