§ Norman BakerTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what mechanism is in place to ensure that respect for civil liberties is considered at each stage of his Department's policy-making process. [155763]
§ Fiona MactaggartThe Human Rights Act ensures that all legislation complies with the European convention on human rights. For all proposed legislation, section 19 of the Act requires the Minister to make a statement as to the compatibility with the convention. Throughout the policy making process we assess the effects on individuals and society through discussions with independent and representative bodies and where appropriate full public consultation.