Oral Answers to Questions

David Evennett Excerpts

Tuesday 14th September 2021 Commons Chamber

[Robert Buckland]

I thank the right hon. Lady for raising that extremely sensitive, distressing and frankly appalling case. Yes, of course I would be delighted to meet the family. May I also make a general point? We—and, in fairness, I think that this applies across all parties—are very keen for victims to be not spectators but participants in these matters, so their voice shall be heard, and we will continue to do everything possible to strengthen that voice.

[Sir David Evennett (Bexleyheath and Crayford) (Con)]

23. What progress has been made on the independent Human Rights Act review.

[The Lord Chancellor and Secretary of State for Justice (Robert Buckland)]

The Government have established the independent Human Rights Act review to examine the framework of that Act, how it is operating in practice and whether any change is required. The review is considering the approach taken by our domestic courts to the jurisprudence of the European Court of Human Rights, and it will also examine whether the HRA currently strikes the correct balance between the roles of the courts, the Government and Parliament. It will report back later this year.

[Sir David Evennett]

I thank my right hon. and learned Friend for that answer and welcome this review, as I think we all do on our side of the Chamber. However, will he commit to an open consultation on any proposed reforms resulting from the independent review of the Human Rights Act?

[Robert Buckland]

I am happy to commit to that open consultation once we have published the findings of the review.