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NLJ this week: Human Rights Act proves a healthy ‘transplant’ after 25 years

03 October 2025
Issue: 8133 / Categories: Legal News , Human rights , EU , Constitutional law , Judicial review
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Alistair Mills of Landmark Chambers reflects on the Human Rights Act 1998 a quarter-century after it came into force, in this week's issue of NLJ

Initially criticised as an alien ‘transplant’ from Strasbourg law, the Act has in fact embedded itself within the UK’s constitutional framework, he argues. Rather than unsettling parliamentary sovereignty, it has strengthened scrutiny through ministerial compatibility statements, judicial review of secondary legislation and declarations of incompatibility. Courts have used s 3 interpretation powers robustly, ensuring statutes are read compatibly with rights ‘so far as possible’, while remedies under s 6 and s 8 fit broadly within established domestic frameworks.

Mills notes the Act’s impact has been profound yet legally orthodox, with tensions largely political rather than legal. The Human Rights Act, he concludes, has not upset the constitutional order but has bolstered rights protection and shifted debate towards whether the UK should remain within the ECHR.

MOVERS & SHAKERS

NLJ Career Profile: Francis Ho, City of London Law Society

NLJ Career Profile: Francis Ho, City of London Law Society

Francis Ho, Charles Russell Speechlys partner, was recently appointed chair of the Construction Law Committee of the City of London Law Society. He discusses the challenges of learning to lead, the importance of professional ethics, and the power of the written word, withNLJ

Slater Heelis—Chester office

Slater Heelis—Chester office

North West presence strengthened with Chester office launch

Cooke, Young & Keidan—Elizabeth Meade

Cooke, Young & Keidan—Elizabeth Meade

Firm grows commercial disputes expertise with partner promotion

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