A lawyers’ group voiced concern this week over the makeup of the commission set up by the government to investigate the case for a UK bill of rights.
The Ministry of Justice said the commission comprises ‘human rights experts’ whose remit is to help ensure that any new bill of rights ‘incorporates and builds on’ the UK’s obligations under the European Convention on Human Rights, and that these rights continue to be enshrined in UK law.
The experts will also advise the government on proposed reform of the European Court of Human Rights.
Peter Herbert, chair of the Society of Black Lawyers, expressed concern that the commission’s nine members are all white, and include six barrister QCs and just one woman.
He said: ‘The lack of diversity is appalling. The commission is one-dimensional in that it fails to reflect the expertise that exists within the UK’s ethnic minority communities, among women’s organisations, disability groups and civil society generally.’
Law Society president Linda Lee said that the commission’s work must not ‘chip away’ at fundamental rights which have been protected historically.
She said: ‘It is a great opportunity to engage with a national debate on human rights and to ensure economic, social and cultural rights remain protected.'
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