Theresa may uk will change human rights laws if needed for terror fight
You're referring to the recent news about the UK government's plans to review and potentially change human rights laws to combat terrorism.
On February 12, 2020, UK Prime Minister Theresa May announced that the government would be reviewing the Human Rights Act (HRA) to ensure that it is "fit for purpose" in the fight against terrorism. The review is aimed at addressing concerns that the current human rights framework is hindering the government's ability to effectively counter terrorism.
The HRA, which was introduced in 1998, is a cornerstone of human rights law in the UK. It incorporates the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR) into domestic law, providing a framework for protecting individual rights and freedoms. However, the government has argued that the Act's provisions, particularly those related to Article 8 (the right to private and family life) and Article 10 (the right to freedom of expression), are being exploited by terrorists and their sympathizers to undermine national security.
The review is expected to focus on several areas, including:
- The use of human rights laws to challenge counter-terrorism measures, such as surveillance and detention.
- The application of human rights laws to online activities, including social media and online extremism.
- The potential for human rights laws to hinder the sharing of intelligence and cooperation between countries.
The review is not expected to repeal the HRA entirely, but rather to make targeted changes to ensure that human rights laws are aligned with the government's counter-terrorism objectives. The government has emphasized that any changes will be made in a way that balances national security concerns with the need to protect individual rights and freedoms.
The review has sparked concerns among human rights groups, who argue that any changes to the HRA could have far-reaching and potentially harmful consequences for human rights in the UK. They argue that the government should focus on addressing the root causes of terrorism, rather than undermining human rights laws.
The review is ongoing, and the government is expected to publish its findings and proposed changes later this year.