Experts Say Steps Must Be Taken To Ensure The Public’s Rights Are Legally Protected

Public law experts says it is vital that clear plans are settled to protect the rights of the public, as the Government confirmed that it is considering whether to replace the Human Rights Act with a British Bill of Rights.

This week the Justice Secretary, Liz Truss, rejected reports that the Government was abandoning the proposals for a British Bill of Rights, which had been pledged in the 2015 Conservative manifesto.

Although she refused to give a timeframe for any detailed proposals, the Justice Secretary told BBC Radio 4’s Today programme: “I’m looking very closely at the details but we have a manifesto commitment to deliver that.”

Earlier this month The Times newspaper reported that the draft bill for the Act had been scrapped in favour of prioritising prison reform and keeping the peace with the Scottish government, which is opposed to the policy and fighting Brexit.

Plans for a British bill of rights were delayed until after the May 2015 election and former PM David Cameron promised work would start in his first 100 days after his re-election.

In February 2016, the then-justice secretary, Michael Gove, told the House of Lords EU justice committee the process had become too intertwined with the debate over the EU referendum.