Government confirms ‘proposals’ for Human Rights changes in Queen’s Speech
The Queen has confirmed government ‘proposals’ to replace the Human Rights Act, in the first Queen’s Speech of the new Parliament.
David Cameron – who won a Parliamentary majority in this month’s general election – had pledged to “once and for all” repeal the Human Rights Act last year, and his party included the move in its manifesto.
During the State Opening of Parliament today, the Queen confirmed government “proposals” for a British Bill of Rights, amid reports that the highly controversial reform had been delayed.
The wording of the speech – which is delivered by the Monarch but written by the government – could be significant, with the Queen referring to the government bringing forward “proposals” rather than “legislation”. It also does not mention repeal of the previous act.
During the speech, the Queen said: “My government will bring forward proposals for a British Bill of Rights”.
A planning document that was previously made public on the Conservative website says the new British Bill of Rights will only be applicable in certain circumstances, and will not be valid for “trivial” matters.
David Cameron appointed former education secretary Michael Gove as Secretary of State for Justice earlier this month replacing Chris Grayling – and the minister will be responsible for pushing forward with the changes.
A Government source told the Times today that the plan was to get the Bill “right, rather than quickly”.
Article 14 of the Human Rights Act, which affords protection from discrimination, has been used in many legal cases to argue for protection for LGBT people.
Liberty and other campaign groups are calling on Parliament to save the Human Rights Act, click here for more.
