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Bill of Rights Bill

A Bill to reform the law relating to human rights.

Originating House

House of Commons

Last Updated

28 June 2023

In Plain English

AI-generated

The Bill of Rights Bill is a proposed law to reform how human rights are protected in the UK. It would change the framework for rights in areas such as crime, justice and equality, and it is currently at the first reading in the House of Commons.

Key Points

Reforms the UK’s human rights framework (likely replacing or changing the current regime).
Covers crime & justice and equality & civil rights issues.
Originating in the Commons and currently at the 1st Reading.
Supported by a range of official documents (Bill, Explanatory Notes, Briefing Papers, Delegated Powers Memorandum, Impact Assessments, etc).

Progress

The bill is at the 1st Reading stage in the Commons; after this it would move to the Second Reading and then committee stages if it progresses.

Who is affected?

UK citizens and residentsPeople who rely on human rights protections in lawIndividuals involved in the criminal justice system (defendants, victims, witnesses)Equality and civil rights groups and organisationsPublic authorities and other bodies responsible for applying or enforcing rights standards

Generated 21 February 2026

Updates & Documents

News (1)

Bill of Rights Bill

28 Jun 2023

Rt Hon Alex Chalk, Lord Chancellor and Secretary of State for Justice, informed the House of Commons on Tuesday 27 June 2023 that the Government had decided not to proceed with the Bill of Rights Bill (Hansard, 27 June 2023, column 145).

What happens next?

In his announcement on 27 June, the Lord Chancellor said that the Government remains committed to a human rights framework that is up to date, fit for purpose and works for the British people.