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Law Society response to government consultation on a Bill of Rights

25 November 2011

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.”



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