Human Rights and Responsibilities Bill

Key Points

• Introduces a requirement that Human Rights Act claims pass a test of reasonableness and equity.
• Intended to filter out weak or disproportionate claims by focusing on fairness and proportionality.
• Courts and tribunals would apply the new test when assessing such claims.
• Covers “connected purposes,” suggesting related reforms could be included that touch on related rights and remedies.
• Currently at the second reading in the House of Commons, with Sir Christopher Chope as sponsor; details will be considered in later stages.

Progress

The bill is at the second reading stage in the Commons. After this, it would typically move to committee stage, then to report and third readings, before possibly going to the Lords for consideration.