Holyrood ‘will block UK bid to scrap Human Rights Act’

NICOLA Sturgeon has today warned that the Scottish Government will block any attempt by the UK government to scrap the Human Rights Act.

Nicola Sturgeon. Picture: Hemedia

The First Minister said in a speech that responsibility for the Human Rights Act rests solely with the Westminster parliament - but European Convention rights are embedded into the devolution settlement and human rights itself is a devolved issue.

“That means that any attempt to repeal or amend the Human Rights Act is likely to require the legislative consent of the Scottish Parliament,” Ms Sturgeon said.

“It is inconceivable – given the breadth of the support which the Human Rights Act commands across the Scottish Parliament – that such consent would be granted.

“The Scottish Government will certainly advocate that it is not granted.”