This Library Note provides background reading for the debate on the European Convention on Human Rights.
Debate on 19 May: European Convention on Human Rights (572 KB , PDF)
This Library Note outlines the history of the Convention, before considering its relationship with the United Kingdom. Finally, the Note outlines recent discussion about the application of the Convention in the UK, particularly in the light of the ‘votes for prisoners’ judgment, and the possible introduction of a British Bill of Rights.
Debate on 19 May: European Convention on Human Rights (572 KB , PDF)
This proposed law would prevent sentencing guidelines setting out when a pre-sentence report should be obtained from being framed by reference to the personal characteristics of an offender such as race, religion or belief and cultural background.
The UK co-founded and is a member of the Media Freedom Coalition, which advocates for media freedom, the safety of journalists, and holding those who harm journalists to account. More than 50 journalists have been killed every year since 2019, often with impunity. They can also be subject to detention and legal intimidation. The previous government worked with the UN and other multilateral organisations to promote media freedom, and the current government has said it will protect independent journalism.
The European Convention on Human Rights was signed by the members of the Council of Europe, including the UK, in Rome in 1950. The UK was one of the first states to ratify it in 1951 and it is now incorporated into UK law through the Human Rights Act 1998. The UK government has recently restated its unequivocal commitment to the convention.
