NUJ welcomes government U-turn on Bill of Rights Bill
The justice secretary has confirmed the UK government will not proceed with the bill.
The Bill of Rights Bill opposed by the National Union of Journalists (NUJ) and several human rights organisations, would have replaced the Human Rights Act and weakened protections for journalists.
On 27 June, Alex Chalk, justice secretary, confirmed government had decided not to proceed with the bill. He said it remained committed to a human rights framework that is “up to date and fit for purpose.”
The NUJ has welcomed the rethink and stressed the importance of strengthened rights for journalists and the wider public. The union had previously responded to government’s consultation and expressed concern at its decision to bypass pre-legislative scrutiny despite cross-sector calls.