Consortium writes to the Secretary of State for Scotland
Back in December 2019, the Queen’s Speech included the UK Government’s plan to set up a Commission on Rights, Democracy and the Constitution. They have said that this Commission will examine the Human Rights Act 1998, as well as the role of the courts. This Commission needs to strengthen, not weaken human rights protections.
The Consortium has written to the Secretary of State for Scotland, The Rt Hon Alister Jack MP, to ask him to ensure that this Commission takes devolution fully into account. There should be a Scotland representative in its members, someone who can speak authoritatively on the particular context, debate and developments around human rights in Scotland.
The Government has already promised that civic society will be consulted by the Commission – we have highlighted that this must specifically include civic society in Scotland.