Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Today’s Queen’s Speech will not include full legislation to replace the Human Rights Act with a British Bill of Rights in this session of parliament, it has emerged.
The address laying out the Government’s legislative programme is expected to include only a consultation on the measure, which was included in the Conservative manifesto.
But full legislation may have to wait until next year as the Government works out how best to approach the project amid opposition from senior Tories.
A government source told The Times newspaper that ministers want to get the replacement of the bill “right, rather than quickly” and reportedly said it would be “odd if we did not consult widely”.
The new policy is a reversal of previous pledges that the Human Rights Act would be scrapped within the first 100 days of a Conservative majority government.
The project to replace the Act is being headed by Michael Gove, who was appointed by Justice Secretary in the post-election cabinet reshuffle.
Mr Gove faces a difficult political task to complete his objective. The Government has a narrow majority of 11 seats and a number of Conservative MPs have already voice public opposition to the scrapping of the Human Rights Act.
In October last year Dominic Grieve, the former attorney-general, wrote in Prospect magazine that is party’s proposals “represent a failure of ambition by the Conservative Party on the global promotion of human rights”.
“Those who believe in the rule of law and our freedoms should make their voices heard,” he added.
Other prominent so-called “Runnymede Tories” – so-named because of the location the Magna Carta was signed – include former Tory leadership candidate David Davis and former chief whip Andrew Mitchell.
The Queen’s Speech is also expected to outline plans for tax cuts, an EU referendum, further Scottish devolution and an extension of the Right To Buy scheme to housing association tenants.
The address will be delivered at 11.30am in the presence of MPs and peers in the House of Lords, and marks the state opening of parliament.
Subscribe to Independent Premium to bookmark this article
Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? Start your Independent Premium subscription today.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments