“Already, there is talk of an amendment to create a right to abortion,” he said. “Whatever people’s views on this sensitive subject, Parliament has already legislated on it, and making it a right risks bringing our courts into the political arena, as in the United States. “What about the socio-economic rights to work and receive benefits, so dear to the Left? All of these could be highlighted on this ‘Christmas Tree’ bill, like big baubles.” The Government Bill of Rights was introduced into Parliament in June and replaces the Human Rights Act, which was passed in 1998. It would allow courts to enforce European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR) rights on UK shores. Dominic Raab, the justice secretary, has also promised that his Bill of Rights will clarify the law for judges so that British law will take precedence over ECtHR rulings. It would also eliminate some human rights claims against the government and limit the extent to which courts can order public bodies to change their behavior to correct a problem caused by a human rights violation.
