LIZ Truss has shelved controversial plans to introduce a Bill of Rights, it is understood.
The Prime Minister has put the plans, which critics said would undermine human rights in the UK and trample over the devolution settlement, on hold, a Government source told the PA news agency.
The bill was the pet project of former justice secretary Dominic Raab, who was sacked on Tuesday by the new Prime Minister.
While the bill in its current form has been parked, the “principles and objectives more generally” have not, the source added.
They said the new administration was “reviewing the most effective means to deliver the objectives of the Bill as a whole”.
Rishi Sunak-backing Raab was shown the door for disloyalty as Truss shaped her new Cabinet this week and was replaced by Brandon Lewis.
Raab’s original bill would have replaced the Human Rights Act and would sever the link between UK courts and the European Court of Human Rights.
It would allow judges to disregard European case law, something the Scottish Government, which was deeply opposed to the bill, said would allow Tory ministers to “pick and choose” parts of the law they choose to pay attention to.
'Ill-concieved and unwelcome'
And SNP ministers were concerned it would have given Westminster the power to legislate on devolved matters.
Last week, equalities minister Christina McKelvie said: “The UK Government’s proposals have been comprehensively condemned, not just in Scotland but across the whole of the UK.
“UN experts have also recently written to highlight their concerns.
“This Bill will do serious harm to human rights and fundamental freedoms in the UK, and it will badly damage the UK’s international standing.
“The Bill of Rights Bill is ill-conceived and unwelcome. Some of the provisions are confusing and contradictory.
“It interferes with the constitutional settlement in Scotland by legislating for devolved matters, undermining the Scottish Parliament and Scotland’s devolution settlement.
“The Scottish Government remains committed to protecting the Human Rights Act in its current form."
What's next?
Downing Street has not confirmed whether an updated Bill of Rights will be introduced during the lifetime of the current parliament.
The Prime Minister’s spokesperson said: “A new secretary of state will consider all policies in their area, that will include ongoing bills proceeding through Parliament. This is no different.”
Pressed if such legislation will be passed during the current Parliament, he said: “That would be one for the Leader of the House in terms of parliamentary timetable.”
