Save our human rights – keep the Charter

Our human rights are in danger - and we've got until Tuesday to save them.

What is happening?

MPs are currently debating amendments to the EU Withdrawal Bill, potentially the most important (and dangerous) piece of legislation in decades. It claims to “do the admin” on Brexit, moving EU law into British law. But under the surface it does so much more than that, having the government unprecedented powers and scrapping vital rights and protections. We’ve pointed this out a lot.

On Tuesday, there will be crucial votes on whether or not we abolish the Fundamental Charter of Rights. Two amendments (Amendment 8 by Dominic Grieve and Amendment 46 by Jeremy Corbyn) would ensure that we retain it.

What is the Fundamental Charter of Rights?

The Charter is a cornerstone of our human rights framework, giving more protections than anything else (including the European Court of Human Rights) on the right to a fair trial, including the right to legal representation; the right to deportation hearings; the protection of personal datasame-sex marriage; and employment rights.

The Charter also includes key protections on some really important issues, guaranteeing free movement for all EU citizens and the right of all EU citizens to vote in municipal elections.

You can read the Charter in full here.

What can I do?

The votes on Tuesday are going to be very tight indeed – and every bit of pressure that we can bring to bear will matter. There are a few basic things you can do to apply that pressure:

  1.  Write to your MP now, using our model letter.
  2. Spread the word – share this blog on social media and circulate the model letter to your friends, colleagues and contacts
  3. Use your initiative – organise stunts and protests to pressure Tory MPs to vote for the amendments

 

17th November 2017