As the Government prepares to bring in emergency powers in the face of the Covid-19 crisis, a committee of MP’s has written to the Prime Minister reminding him to take account of Human Rights issues.
The Government will need to take unprecedented powers to keep us safe in the coronavirus epidemic. However, they will also be need to take into account the implications for a whole range of Human Rights issues; from our right to life through to the right to demonstrate, freedom of belief, the right not to be discriminated against, the right to family life and more said the Parliamentary Joint Committee on Human Rights.
It has announced that it will scrutinise the Government’s COVID-19 response. This includes any legislation that the Government brings forward to contain and control the COVID-19 outbreak, as well as how those measures are then implemented, and how the response could be differently affecting different groups of people.
Harriet Harman MP, said:
“Times of national crisis call for strong and decisive leadership. However, at this time, it is also vitally important that checks and balances are in place to ensure that human rights are not disregarded, and that people remain fully protected under the law.
The Committee will be thoroughly scrutinising the measures taken and any proposed legislation. The government needs to protect the right to life and at the same time consider the impact on human rights as it strives to protect the country in this unprecedented time.”
