Andy Slaughter MP, Labour’s Shadow Minister for Human Rights, responding to reports in the Independent that the repeal of the Human Rights Act is to be “fast-tracked”, said:

“Rushed legislation on an issue as important and controversial as repeal of the Human Rights Act will please no one.

"If the Government has decided to stick with the European Convention on Human Rights the best way to ensure this is to re-affirm support for the Human Rights Act.

"Anything else is at best confusing and at worst will weaken fundamental freedoms at home and Britain’s commitment to human rights abroad.

"Labour will oppose any attempts to weaken British people’s rights.”

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