My motion to full council is detailed below. I asked the Labour group if they would agree to second the motion and in an unprecedented move of support they have agreed.
If ever a response illustrated the seriousness of a matter it is this moment of unity.
The Conservative Party manifesto pledged to scrap the Human Rights Act. Tomorrow I will call for a unified response, directing the government to halt these plans. I will place my speech on here tomorrow after full council.
My motion is amended (with permission) from a motion submitted by Cllr Wendy Taylor, Lib Dem Councillor on Newcastle Council, where Labour and Lib Dem councillors also stood together in defiance against Tory proposals.
Councillor M Wilkes to Move:
The Human Rights Act enshrines a number of fundamental rights and freedoms that individuals can access.
Council believes these fundamental rights & freedoms are crucial for a fair, free & democratic society & that everyone in County Durham and across UK is entitled to have these rights respected, even when we disagree with their beliefs or actions.
Council further notes that, at a time when we are honouring those who fought in the Second World War and the purpose for which so many lost their lives defending our liberty and freedoms, we reject the Government’s proposal to repeal the Human Rights Act and withdraw from the European Court of Human Rights in Strasbourg.
Council therefore resolves to:-
- Reject the intentions of the current Government to repeal the Human Rights Act & replace it with a bill of rights.
- To write to the Home Secretary & the Justice Secretary to express opposition to any attempt to repeal this Act.