At today’s full county council meeting the Liberal Democrats urged fellow councillors across political parties to continue supporting the very act that safeguards the civil liberties of everyone in the UK. However, Conservative Councillors used their majority with the support of UKIP to defend the scrapping of the Human Rights Act.

The Leader of the Liberal Democrats, Cllr. Jeremy Hilton (Kingsholm and Wotton) said:

“I was very disappointed and shocked by the titude of both the Conservative and UKIP Councillors who rubbished the Human Rights Act, based on total ignorance about what this piece of legislation does, to protect our civil liberties.

“I was amazed to hear so many Conservative Councillors arguing for us to also pull out of the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR), which was advocated and supported by Winston Churchill just after the war.

“This shows the true colours behind the Conservative Party – Purple!

“The Liberal Democrats blocked David Cameron from scrapping the Human Rights Act in Government and we must stop him again.”

ENDS
Notes:
1. The following motion that was debated on Wednesday 8th July 2015: –
Motion – Human Rights Act

This Council notes that the Human Rights Act protects basic human rights regardless of gender, religion and background and ensures that everyone is treated equally and fairly.

This Council is aware and disappointed that the new Justice Secretary, Michael Gove has been assigned the task of abolishing the Human Rights Act.

This Council recognises that many oppose such a move including Senior Conservatives such as former Lord Chancellor Ken Clarke and former Attorney General Dominic Grieve who has described the proposals as a “recipe for chaos”.

This Council values the list of rights that the Act gives and opposes plans for this important piece of legislation to be repealed.

This Council requests that the Leader of this Council writes to the Prime Minister, Rt. Hon David Cameron MP, the Secretary of State for Justice, Rt. Hon Michael Gove MP and the six Gloucestershire MPs urging them not to repeal the Human Rights Act.

Proposed by – Cllr. Jeremy Hilton

Seconded by – Cllr. Simon Wheeler

2. The Human Rights Act gives us access to:

•the right to life;

•the prohibition of torture and inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment;

•the prohibition of slavery and forced labour;

•the right to liberty and security of the person;

•the right to a fair trial;

•prohibition of punishment without law;

•the right to respect for private and family life;

•the right to freedom of thought, conscience and religion;

•the right to freedom of expression;

•the right to freedom of assembly and association;

•the right for men and women to marry and found a family;

•the right to peaceful enjoyment of personal property;

•the right to education;

•the right to free elections;

•and the prohibition of discrimination.