Bar welcomes changes to human rights act reform

The Bar of Northern Ireland has welcomed a reported change in government plans to reform human rights legislation.

The Bill of Rights bill was due back before Parliament but it is now thought that the government, under new Prime Minister Liz Truss, will look again at the proposed legislation.

Chief Executive of the Bar of Northern Ireland, David Mulholland said: “The Bar of Northern Ireland has consistently expressed concern about the proposed reform of the Human Rights Act since the commencement of a review into the operation of
the Act in December 2020.

“In dialogue with then Justice Minister Lord Wolfson QC, we expressed the view that government must safeguard all aspects of the Good Friday/Belfast Agreement that are connected to the Human Rights Act.

“The Bar of NI also provided a detailed consultation response to the Ministry of Justice, in which we cautioned against the introduction of any measure which may limit access to justice or impede the exercise of human rights.

“That’s why we welcome the indication from government that reform of the Human Rights Act will be reviewed.

“We also look forward to constructive engagement with government on future reform measures and welcome any opportunity to set out the unique circumstances of the operation of the Human Rights Act in Northern Ireland.”

ENDS

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