The Rights Removal Bill and Human Rights Act reform
The ALLIANCE says no to the UK Government’s Rights Removal Bill.
What is the Rights Removal Bill?
The Rights Removal Bill is a proposed law that was introduced by the UK Government on 22 June 2022. This is formally known as the ‘Bill of Rights Bill‘ however campaigners are referring to it as the Rights Removal Bill.
The proposed Bill would replace the Human Rights Act 1998 with much weaker human rights protections. This is regressive and would cause legal uncertainty, particularly for devolved nations.
In September 2022 it was decided that the UK Government has postponed the Bill. The date for its second reading is still to be announced.
What are we doing about it?
The ALLIANCE is working with civil society organisations across the UK to say ‘no’ to the Rights Removal Bill. You can read more about what we have been doing via the links below:
ALLIANCE consultation responses:
- ALLIANCE Response to consultation on Human Rights Act Reform (March 2022)
- ALLIANCE Response – Independent Human Rights Act Review Call for Evidence (March 2021)
Joint activity:
- Joint civil society briefing to MPs (September 2022)
- Joint statement on UK Rights Removal Bill (July 2022)
- Joint response to consultation on Human Rights Act Reform with HRCS and others (March 2022)
- Joint letter to the Prime Minister on retaining the Human Rights Act (December 2021)
- Joint response to Independent Review of the Human Rights Act (March 2021)
Opinion pieces
ALLIANCE members and partners have shared their views on the impact of the Rights Removal Bill in Scotland:
- Alan Miller, Professor of Practice in Human Rights Law, University of Strathclyde
- Dr Elaine Webster, Director of the Centre for the Study of Human Rights Law, University of Strathclyde
- Carlyn Miller, Head of Policy and Programmes at the British Institute of Human Rights
Further reading
- The British Institute of Human Rights Rights Removal Bill Hub
- Scottish Government response to the Joint Committee on Human Rights Legislative Scrutiny
For more information, please contact Lucy Mulvagh, Director of Policy, Research and Impact at lucy.mulvagh@alliance-scotland.org.uk