Human Rights Act, ECHR and Government accountability

Justice Secretary threatens to overhaul the Human Rights Act

Posted on 05 Oct 2021

The Human Rights Act is a vital tool that not only guarantees our human rights but holds those in power to account.

Liberty has responded to Dominic Raab threatening to overhaul the Human Rights Act  in his speech at the Conservative Party Conference.

Charlie Whelton, Policy and Campaigns Officer at Liberty, said:

“We all want to live in an equal, just and fair society, where governments and public bodies act in our best interests. Today’s statement from Justice Secretary Dominic Raab threatening to overhaul the Human Rights Act – a vital tool that not only guarantees our human rights but holds those in power to account – represents a significant risk to our democracy.

“The Human Rights Act helped families of those who died in the Hillsborough disaster to secure justice for their loved ones. It has enabled disabled people to challenge the removal of their benefit payments. It has been used by families to win investigations into the deaths of their family members after poor treatment and neglect, and it helped LGBT veterans get their medals back after they were kicked out of the armed forces.

“The Human Rights Act has made many people’s lives better, allowing ordinary people to challenge governments and public authorities when they get it wrong. No one should be above the law – but this statement, along with the Policing Bill, the Judicial Review Bill and the Elections Bill, shows a Government that is actively planning to erode our ability to access justice and stand up to power – in the streets, in the courts, or in the polling booth.”

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