UK's Boris Johnson looks to end Human Rights Act with chilling new law


UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson's government pledged on Tuesday to end the Human Rights Act with a Bill of Rights, which it says will end "abuse" of the system and protect the primacy of parliament but has been condemned by rights groups.

The government said it would restrict the incremental expansion of a "rights culture without proper democratic oversight" and establish the primacy of UK case law.

"Her Majesty's ministers will restore the balance of power between the legislature and the courts by introducing a Bill of Rights," Prince Charles said in a speech setting out the legislative agenda of Johnson's government.

Britain passed the Human Rights Act in 1998, which obligated UK courts to interpret legislation so it is compatible with the European Convention of Human Rights -- overseen by a court in Strasbourg and separate from the European Union.

However, the new bill will clarify that there is no requirement to follow the Strasbourg case law, and also say that UK courts "cannot interpret rights in a more expansive manner than the Strasbourg Court".

It will also ensure that UK courts "can no longer alter legislation contrary to its ordinary meaning" and also limit the ability of courts to impose obligations on institutions without democratic oversight, the government said.

It added the bill would take a tougher line on foreign criminals who evade deportation when their human rights are given greater weight than security considerations. 

(Reuters)