The Government is proud of its human rights' record, Justice Minister Lord McNally today told a United Nations? review of the UK's human rights record over the last four years.

As well as reaffirming the United Kingdom's long-standing commitment to advancing human rights both at home and internationally, Lord McNally outlined key milestones the Government has recently delivered. This includes a Commission on a Bill of Rights, set up to review how best to protect and extend British liberties, and the Brighton Declaration, which will allow the European Court of Human Rights to focus on the most serious human rights abuses in Europe.

Lord McNally said:

'The UK Government is firmly committed to promoting and protecting human rights. The UK was instrumental in the creation of the European Convention on Human Rights to reflect the rights and freedoms hard won in the United Kingdom over the centuries. These include the right to a fair trial, freedom from torture and freedom of speech.
 
'The UK is proud of its record on human rights, but there is always room for improvement. One of the strengths of Universal Periodic Review is that we can learn from a wide variety of perspectives and experiences so we can make enjoyment of human rights a reality in people's everyday lives throughout the world.
 
'I now look forward to discussing the recommendations member states have presented to the United Kingdom with my colleagues in the United Kingdom Government and the Devolved Administrations. I also intend to consult with our three National Human Rights Institutions and other NGOs before formally responding to the Human Rights Council in September this year.'