Democracy and Participation - Debates Over Rights

Question 1

Human Rights Act 1998 – Controversial or Agreed Upon?

Answer 1

Controversial. Widely supported by civil liberties groups as a protection of rights. Criticised by some Conservatives who claim it gives too much power to unelected judges and helps criminals avoid deportation. Government has proposed replacing it with a British Bill of Rights.

Question 2

Deportation vs Human Rights – Debate Example?

Answer 2

Yes. Cases like Abu Qatada (2012) caused major controversy. Courts blocked deportation to Jordan due to risk of torture, citing Article 3 (ECHR). Government argued this undermines national security; rights groups supported legal protection.

Question 3

Freedom of Protest – Disagreements?

Answer 3

Yes. Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Act 2022 gave police more powers to restrict protests. Critics (e.g. Liberty, Amnesty UK) called it a threat to democratic rights. Government argued it’s needed to stop disruptive protests (e.g. Extinction Rebellion, Just Stop Oil).

Question 4

COVID-19 lockdowns – Rights Conflict?

Answer 4

Yes. Government restricted rights (freedom of movement, protest) to protect public health. Civil liberties groups warned of long-term erosion of rights. Debate over balancing individual liberty vs collective safety.

Question 5

Freedom of Speech vs Hate Speech – Debate?

Answer 5

Ongoing. Some argue for stronger protection of free speech (especially on university campuses), while others support restrictions on hate speech to protect minority rights. Example: 2021 free speech reforms proposed for universities.

Question 6

Right to Privacy vs Security – Disagreement?

Answer 6

Yes. Investigatory Powers Act 2016 (the “Snoopers’ Charter”) expanded government surveillance powers. Civil rights groups criticised it as a breach of privacy; government justified it for counter-terrorism purposes.

Question 7

Brexit & Rights Protection – Debate?

Answer 7

Yes. Brexit ended the supremacy of EU law. Critics feared loss of rights from the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights. Government argued UK law (e.g. Human Rights Act) still protects essential rights.

Question 8

Agreement: Equal rights for LGBTQ+ people?

Answer 8

Broad agreement. Legal equality improved significantly since 2000s (e.g. Civil Partnership Act 2004, same-sex marriage 2013). Cross-party support, though some religious groups expressed concerns over religious freedom.