British Bill of Rights

Debate between Baroness Goudie and Lord Faulks

Wednesday 28th October 2015 Lords Chamber

[Lord Faulks]

My Lords, as the noble Lord will be aware, we have a dualist system rather than a monist system. Neither Parliament nor the courts are bound by international law, but a member of the Executive, including a Minister such as myself, is obliged to follow international law, whether it is reflected in the Ministerial Code or not. All Ministers will be aware of their obligations under the rule of law.

[Baroness Goudie (Lab)]

Why was the decision taken by the Foreign Office and the Cabinet to downgrade human rights?

[Lord Faulks]

I do not believe that there was any downgrading of human rights. We have a proud history of protecting human rights, both here and abroad, and we will continue to maintain our concern for those human rights.