Accessible version users win extra rights response time

The closing date for the consultation on the UK Government's proposals to reform the Human Rights Act has been delayed – but only for those requiring an accessible version of the paper.

Responses were due by 8 March to the proposals, which went well beyond the conclusions of the independent review under Sir Peter Gross and which have been widely criticised as making it harder for people to enforce their rights. However an accessible text-only version of the paper was only published on 24 February, 12 days before the closing date, and easy read and audio versions only on the afternoon of 7 March. At that point the Ministry of Justice announced that those who require accessible versions, and organisations that mainly represent such people, have until 19 April to respond.

About 140 organisations had written to Justice Secretary Dominic Raab calling for the deadline to be extended, while many others contacted the Joint Committee on Human Rights criticising the Ministry for its oversight, which it was claimed would have effectively blocked disabled people – some of whom might be particularly affected by the proposals – from taking part.

Those requesting an extension are asked to contact HRAreform@justice.gov.uk.

This week the organisation Liberty said the proposals would "weaken the link between UK law and the European Court [of Human Rights], and leave the UK on a collision course with the Convention", adding: "This will create a great deal of uncertainty for everyone involved in a human rights legal challenge – the person whose rights have been abused, the public authority responsible, and the lawyers on both sides."

Yesterday the Law Society of England & Wales published its response, claiming the plans would damage the rule of law; prevents to access to justice; remove or reduce rights; lead to more cases being taken to the Strasbourg court; impact devolution; damage the UK's international reputation; reduce legal certainty; and increase costs and complexity. Among other points it recommends the introduction of group actions for human rights claims, and additional training to support public bodies to understand and apply their obligations under the Human Rights Act.