BASW responds to UK Government decision to ditch Bill of Rights

BASW has opposed this Bill, which would have weakened individual human rights, from the outset. The Bill was intended to replace the Human Rights Act 1998, and had been pushed forward by the UK Government, despite widespread opposition to their proposals, including in their own consultation.

Human rights are universal rights and are a cornerstone of social work practice. BASW will continue to advocate for the protection, upholding and advancement of human rights across society.

Other Bills by the Government continue to seek to undermine the rights protections of specific groups of people, for example the Illegal Migration Bill, which BASW continues to oppose, in partnership with other organisations.

Martin Sexton, Chair of BASW’s Policy, Ethics and Human Rights Committee, commented:

“This is a welcome move by the UK Government to drop a bill which would have undermined universal protections for human rights. However, we remain aware that other pieces of draft legislation still seek to undermine the human rights of specific groups and BASW will continue to advocate for the protection of human rights for all.”