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Constitution, Democracy and Rights Commission

Question for Ministry of Justice

UIN 87641, tabled on 6 December 2021

To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, whether the Government has plans to commence a stand-alone Constitution, Democracy and Rights Commission.

Answered on

14 December 2021

We remain committed to looking at the broader aspects of the constitution and the relationship between Government, Parliament and the courts, as pledged in the Government’s Manifesto.

Given the broad nature of these areas, we are taking the work forward via a range of workstreams rather than a single Commission to ensure all policy development is given the utmost consideration.

For example, following the Independent Review of Administrative law and a Government consultation, the Judicial Review and Courts Bill delivers on our manifesto commitment to improve judicial review processes.

The Government also established the Independent Human Rights Act Review in December 2020 to examine the framework of the HRA, how it is operating in practice and whether any change is required. We have published the Panel’s report today and carefully considered its conclusions as part of a wider reform programme.

Today the Justice Secretary launched a consultation to seek views on the government’s proposals to reform the Human Rights Act. This will ensure the domestic human rights framework meets the needs of the society it serves and commands public confidence.