Bill of Rights - Statement

Part of the debate – in the House of Lords at 3:06 pm on 23 June 2022.

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Photo of The Bishop of Blackburn The Bishop of Blackburn Bishop 3:06, 23 June 2022

I support the provisions in the Bill that strengthen the right to free speech and the freedom to believe, and the expression of that belief. I have a concern over Clause 20 and the Secretary of State’s ability to make a decision which limits the right to appeal, regardless of the will or good processes of the court. What assurances can the Minister give that interventions will happen only where the will of Parliament can be reasonably understood on a matter? Without such assurances, I fear we will find ourselves hostages of the political will and aspirations of the particular Secretary of State that we have at the time, and cannot be sure that decisions are made for the good of the law over the good of politics.