Oral Answers to Questions

Angela Crawley Excerpts

Tuesday 14th July 2020 Commons Chamber

[Angela Crawley (Lanark and Hamilton East) (SNP)]

What recent discussions he has had with the Scottish Government on proposals to update the Human Rights Act 1998.

[Marion Fellows (Motherwell and Wishaw) (SNP)]

What recent discussions he has had with the Scottish Government on proposals to update the Human Rights Act 1998.

--- Later in debate ---

[Alex Chalk]

Yes, of course. Scotland has a distinguished and distinct legal system and of course it would need to be consulted in that way. I do wish, though, to make one point crystal clear: whatever amendments may come to the Human Rights Act, the United Kingdom remains committed to membership of the European convention on human rights. That will not change.

[Angela Crawley [V]]

Can the Minister outline the relationship between the independent review of the Human Rights Act and the proposed constitution, democracy and rights commission, as well as the terms of reference for the independent review and whether the devolved Administrations, including the Scottish Government, will be consulted about those terms of reference?

[Alex Chalk]

I thank the hon. Lady for her question. There is a manifesto commitment to look at updating the Human Rights Act, which is now—what?—20 years old or so, but we have yet to set the terms of reference. Of course it is the case that, as we go forward in that process, the implications for the distinguished and distinct, separate legal jurisdiction of Scotland must be taken into account, and that is exactly what we will ensure takes place.