Bill of Rights

HC Deb 19 May 2004 vol 421 c1091W

Mr. Swayne

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland whether it is his intention to bring forward a Bill of Rights for Northern Ireland; and if he will make a statement. [172876]

Mr. Spellar

The Government remains committed to facilitating the work of the Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission for Northern Ireland on proposals for a Bill of Rights. However, it remains our position that it would not be appropriate for the Government to comment until we receive the final advice from the Commission. We have therefore not reached any policy conclusions.

In addition the Government remains committed to establishing a broadly based forum on the Bill of Rights. We will engage the political parties in a renewed effort to build consensus to this end.