Human Rights Act review is concerning for democracy

Liberty has responded to news Sir Peter Gross has been appointed to lead an independent review of the Human Rights Act.

Sam Grant, head of policy and campaigns at Liberty, said:

“We all want to live in a fair, just and democratic society. For years, our laws and legal processes have made sure that governments and public bodies can be challenged when they make bad decisions. The plans announced today and over the past six months are focused on limiting our ability to do this.

“Liberty, along with many other human rights organisations and charities, is concerned by these plans. Our ability to stand up to power is protected by the current legal process of judicial review. It sits at the heart of our democracy and allows us to hold those in power to account, from governments to local authorities. Relatedly, our human rights are protected in law by the Human Rights Act. These laws and legal processes allow ordinary people to stand up to power. They must be protected for the good of our democracy.”