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21/03/2011
Other UK News In Brief
Commission On UK Bill Of Rights Launched
An independent Commission to investigate the case for a UK Bill of Rights has been launched by Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg and Secretary of State for Justice Kenneth Clarke. The Commission, to be headed by former Permanent Secretary, Sir Leigh Lewis, fulfils a pledge set out in the Coalition Agreement and forms part of the Government’s strategy to ensure that our rights, freedoms and liberties are protected in a way that properly reflects our traditions. In addition to the Chairman, the Commission will include eight human rights experts appointed jointly by the Prime Minister and the Deputy Prime Minister. Details of the Commission’s remit were also announced and include providing interim advice to Ministers on reform of the European Court of Human Rights ahead of the final report being published by the end of 2012. An advisory panel will also be established to provide advice and expertise to the Commission on issues arising in relation to Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. The Commission will investigate the creation of a UK Bill of Rights that incorporates and builds on all obligations under the European Convention on Human Rights, ensures that these rights continue to be enshrined in UK law. It will examine the operation and implementation of these obligations, and consider ways to promote a better understanding of the true scope of these obligations and liberties. It should provide advice to the Government on the ongoing Interlaken process to reform the Strasbourg court ahead of and following the UK's Chairmanship of the Council of Europe. It should consult, including with the public, judiciary and devolved administrations and legislatures, and aim to report no later than by the end of 2012.
Crackdown On Criminal Underworld
New powers which will allow law enforcement agencies to recover even more gangsters' profits will come into force this week as Ministers seek to crack down further on the illegal activities of the criminal underworld. Under changes being brought in to strengthen the Proceeds of Crime Act (POCA), the range of offences that qualify as being a criminal lifestyle will be extended to include even more crimes. The threshold for the other criminal lifestyle tests will also be lowered from £5,000 to £1,000, meaning that more profits can be stripped from all levels of criminals operating in Scotland. The legislative changes will create greater opportunities and flexibility for law enforcement agencies to recover criminal profits from crooks, which can then be reinvested back into positive projects in the community through the Cashback scheme. More than £40 million has so far been invested through the Cashback for Communities initiative and over 300,000 youngsters have benefitted from activities which simply would not have existed otherwise.
New Images Released Over Protest Disorder
Operation Malone detectives investigating the incidents of disorder seen across central London in November and December last year are releasing a further nine images of individuals believed to be involved. The pictures are taken from the incidents which took place on 30 November and 9 December. Officers suspect the individuals featured were involved in offences of violent disorder and affray. Anyone with information relating to any of those pictured is asked to contact the Operation Malone team or Crimestoppers.
(BMcN/GK)
An independent Commission to investigate the case for a UK Bill of Rights has been launched by Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg and Secretary of State for Justice Kenneth Clarke. The Commission, to be headed by former Permanent Secretary, Sir Leigh Lewis, fulfils a pledge set out in the Coalition Agreement and forms part of the Government’s strategy to ensure that our rights, freedoms and liberties are protected in a way that properly reflects our traditions. In addition to the Chairman, the Commission will include eight human rights experts appointed jointly by the Prime Minister and the Deputy Prime Minister. Details of the Commission’s remit were also announced and include providing interim advice to Ministers on reform of the European Court of Human Rights ahead of the final report being published by the end of 2012. An advisory panel will also be established to provide advice and expertise to the Commission on issues arising in relation to Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. The Commission will investigate the creation of a UK Bill of Rights that incorporates and builds on all obligations under the European Convention on Human Rights, ensures that these rights continue to be enshrined in UK law. It will examine the operation and implementation of these obligations, and consider ways to promote a better understanding of the true scope of these obligations and liberties. It should provide advice to the Government on the ongoing Interlaken process to reform the Strasbourg court ahead of and following the UK's Chairmanship of the Council of Europe. It should consult, including with the public, judiciary and devolved administrations and legislatures, and aim to report no later than by the end of 2012.
Crackdown On Criminal Underworld
New powers which will allow law enforcement agencies to recover even more gangsters' profits will come into force this week as Ministers seek to crack down further on the illegal activities of the criminal underworld. Under changes being brought in to strengthen the Proceeds of Crime Act (POCA), the range of offences that qualify as being a criminal lifestyle will be extended to include even more crimes. The threshold for the other criminal lifestyle tests will also be lowered from £5,000 to £1,000, meaning that more profits can be stripped from all levels of criminals operating in Scotland. The legislative changes will create greater opportunities and flexibility for law enforcement agencies to recover criminal profits from crooks, which can then be reinvested back into positive projects in the community through the Cashback scheme. More than £40 million has so far been invested through the Cashback for Communities initiative and over 300,000 youngsters have benefitted from activities which simply would not have existed otherwise.
New Images Released Over Protest Disorder
Operation Malone detectives investigating the incidents of disorder seen across central London in November and December last year are releasing a further nine images of individuals believed to be involved. The pictures are taken from the incidents which took place on 30 November and 9 December. Officers suspect the individuals featured were involved in offences of violent disorder and affray. Anyone with information relating to any of those pictured is asked to contact the Operation Malone team or Crimestoppers.
(BMcN/GK)
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24 March 2005
Ethiopian army branded ‘murderers and rapists’
The Ethiopian military has committed widespread murder, rape and torture against the Anuak population since December 2003, Human Rights Watch (HRW) said in a report released today.
Ethiopian army branded ‘murderers and rapists’
The Ethiopian military has committed widespread murder, rape and torture against the Anuak population since December 2003, Human Rights Watch (HRW) said in a report released today.
01 October 2015
New Consumer Rights Act For Digital Content Introduced
A new Consumer Rights Act has been introduced covering digital content, giving customers downloading music or buying ebooks new legal rights. The new Act has been created as shoppers increasingly spend money on digital content, with more than £2.8 billion spent on downloaded music, video and games in 2014, up 18% from the previous year.
New Consumer Rights Act For Digital Content Introduced
A new Consumer Rights Act has been introduced covering digital content, giving customers downloading music or buying ebooks new legal rights. The new Act has been created as shoppers increasingly spend money on digital content, with more than £2.8 billion spent on downloaded music, video and games in 2014, up 18% from the previous year.
16 September 2010
NI Bill Of Rights Wins UK Backing
As the Stormont Justice Minister David Ford vowed to reshape the region's justice system to fit the needs of the people of Northern Ireland, human rights commissions across the UK have backed a proposed Bill of Rights for Northern Ireland.
NI Bill Of Rights Wins UK Backing
As the Stormont Justice Minister David Ford vowed to reshape the region's justice system to fit the needs of the people of Northern Ireland, human rights commissions across the UK have backed a proposed Bill of Rights for Northern Ireland.
23 September 2014
EHRC To Investigate Met Following Discrimination Case
An investigation has been launched after a tribunal found that the Metropolitan Police deliberately re-wrote an internal report. The Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) has launched its investigation against the force after a tribunal found that PC Carol Howard was discriminated against on the grounds of sex and race.
EHRC To Investigate Met Following Discrimination Case
An investigation has been launched after a tribunal found that the Metropolitan Police deliberately re-wrote an internal report. The Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) has launched its investigation against the force after a tribunal found that PC Carol Howard was discriminated against on the grounds of sex and race.
15 February 2010
BNP Will Admit Black Members
The British National Party has over-turned its "whites-only" membership policy following a threat from human rights authorities. Members of the far right political party met in Essex yesterday and voted to amend its constitution. Black and Asian people are now able to join the BNP - an organisation which has fervently denied accusations of racism.
BNP Will Admit Black Members
The British National Party has over-turned its "whites-only" membership policy following a threat from human rights authorities. Members of the far right political party met in Essex yesterday and voted to amend its constitution. Black and Asian people are now able to join the BNP - an organisation which has fervently denied accusations of racism.
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A very mild, but mostly cloudy day, although with some bright or sunny spells. It will be mostly dry in the morning, but a little patchy light rain or drizzle at times in the afternoon. Maximum temperature 14 °C.Tonight:A band of heavier rain will move east during the evening before clearing eastwards after midnight. then mostly dry through the early hours, but a little rain towards dawn. Minimum temperature 8 °C.
