05 May 2023 / Sir Geoffrey Bindman KC

Issue: 8023 / Categories: Opinion , Human rights , Rule of law

Raab’s resignation: hope for human rights?

Does Dominic Raab’s departure finally spell the end for the Bill of Rights Bill? Geoffrey Bindman KC urges the government to undo the lurking threat to human rights protection

The resignation of Dominic Raab as secretary of state for justice on Friday 21 April will not be regretted by those of us who oppose the policies he and his government have been pursuing to weaken the rule of law and the protection of human rights. These policies, foreshadowed in the Conservative party 2019 election manifesto, include the repeal of the Human Rights Act 1998, limiting the obligation of the UK to comply with the terms of the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR), and undermining the independence of the judiciary by allowing the executive greater power over judicial appointments (see my earlier articles: ‘Raab & human rights: moving in the wrong direction?’, 172 NLJ 7963, p7, and ‘Law & politics: a two-pronged attack?’ 172 NLJ 8005, p6).

Uncertain futures

The Bill of Rights Bill

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Raab’s resignation: hope for human rights?

Does Dominic Raab’s departure finally spell the end for the Bill of Rights Bill? Geoffrey Bindman KC urges the government to undo the lurking threat to human rights protection

Uncertain futures

The Bill of Rights Bill

If you are not a subscriber, subscribe now to read this content

If you are already a subscriber sign in

...or Register for two weeks' free access to subscriber content

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Raab’s resignation: hope for human rights?

Uncertain futures

Uncertain futures

MOVERS & SHAKERS

Clarke Willmott—Matthew Roach

Farrer & Co—Richard Lane

Bird & Bird—Sue McLean