| Synopsis: |
There is an ongoing debate about whether or not there should be a Bill of Rights for the United Kingdom. The Government is committed to considering the need for a Bill of Rights and other political parties have expressed interest in developing one. The Committee intends its report to contribute to this debate. They have considered evidence from a range of witnesses about whether there is a need for a Bill of Rights including: who the Bill of Rights should cover; what the Bill should include; whether it should incorporate social and economic rights; how a Bill of Rights would fit in with and affect the relationship between Parliament, the executive and the courts; whether the Bill should refer to responsibilities, and how Government should consult the public about a future Bill.In Annex 1, there is an outline of what a draft Bill might look like. It is intended that this practical document demonstrates the potential simplicity of a Bill of Rights. The Committee is of the view that the United Kingdom should adopt a Bill of Rights and Freedoms. There are many groups in society, such as older people and adults with learning disabilities, whose human rights are insufficiently protected.The Committee argues that a UK Bill of Rights and Freedoms is desirable in order to provide necessary protection to all, and to marginalised and vulnerable people in particular. There are some additional rights which they believe should be included in a Bill of Rights and Freedoms: these are discussed in chapters four to six.The Committee recommends for inclusion, amongst others: the right to trial by jury; the right to administrative justice and international human rights (as yet not incorporated into UK law). Also there is a strong case for a Bill of Rights and Freedoms having detailed rights for children, and they recommend that the public should be consulted about including specific rights for other vulnerable groups. In addition, they argue that there is a strong case for including the right to a healthy and sustainable environment. The Committee concludes that rights cannot be contingent on performing duties or responsibilities and recommends that a Bill of Rights and Freedoms should not include directly enforceable duties, however, acknowledging that responsibilities are implicit in human rights instruments. |