Britain is setting a “dangerous precedent” to the world by “undermining” human rights, Amnesty International has claimed. The organisation criticised plans to scrap the Human Rights Act, the UK’s absence from EU refugee resettlement schemes and proposed new spying laws. Its annual report on the state of the world’s human rights also referred to “continued opposition” to participating in EU efforts to “share responsibility for the increasing number of refugees arriving in Europe”. The Government last year opted out of plans to relocate 160,000 people from Italy, Hungary and Greece amid the international migration crisis.

There’s no doubt that the downgrading of human rights by this government is a gift to dictators the world over and fatally undermines our ability to call on other countries to uphold rights and laws.

Amnesty International UK director Kate Allen

Referring to the plans, Justice Minister Dominic Raab said: “It is irresponsible for any campaign group to criticise our proposals before they’ve seen them." A Government spokeswoman said it is "absolutely committed” to “ promoting and protecting universal human rights”. She added: “The Foreign and Commonwealth Office’s departmental report is clear that human rights, democratic values and strengthening the rules-based international system are vital and integral parts of the FCO’s work.”

Far from undermining human rights, the Investigatory Powers Bill will promote freedoms and rights by protecting both the privacy and security of the public while ensuring world-leading oversight and safeguards.

A Government spokeswoman

• Feb 24th, 2016

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