header-logo header-logo

Raab’s resignation: hope for human rights?

05 May 2023 / Sir Geoffrey Bindman KC
Issue: 8023 / Categories: Opinion , Human rights , Rule of law
printer mail-detail
120996
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

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

MOVERS & SHAKERS

NLJ Career Profile: Bridget Tatham, Forum of Insurance Lawyers

NLJ Career Profile: Bridget Tatham, Forum of Insurance Lawyers

Bridget Tatham, partner at Browne Jacobson and 2026 president of the Forum of Insurance Lawyers, highlights the importance of hard work, ambition and seizing opportunities

Gibson Dunn—London partner promotions

Gibson Dunn—London partner promotions

Firm grows international bench with expanded UK partner class

Shakespeare Martineau—six appointments

Shakespeare Martineau—six appointments

Firm makes major statement in the capital with strategic growth at The Shard

NEWS
One in five in-house lawyers suffer ‘high’ or ‘severe’ work-related stress, according to a report by global legal body, the Association of Corporate Counsel (ACC)
The Legal Ombudsman’s (LeO’s) plea for a budget increase has been rejected by the Law Society and accepted only ‘with reluctance’ by conveyancers
Overcrowded prisons, mental health hospitals and immigration centres are failing to meet international and domestic human rights standards, the National Preventive Mechanism (NPM) has warned
Two speedier and more streamlined qualification routes have been launched for probate and conveyancing professionals
Workplace stress was a contributing factor in almost one in eight cases before the employment tribunal last year, indicating its endemic grip on the UK workplace
back-to-top-scroll