• THE government’s consultation on the Human Rights Act Reform: A Modern Bill of Rights proposes to overhaul the act by pitting “individual” rights against the “wider public interest”.

This flies in the face of the United Nations International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights of 1966 and the Universal Declaration on Bioethics and Human Rights of 2005.

Both clearly set out our inalienable, sovereign right to informed consent and bodily autonomy, which is the most fundamental of ethics in medicine and human rights, recognised under international law.

The bill proposes to:

— “…strike the proper balance of rights and responsibilities, individual liberty and the public interest…”.

— “…preserve proper democratic oversight over the development and realisation of economic and social public policy”.

— “…consider the needs of the individual who has claimed that their rights have been infringed but also ensure(s) due consideration of the rights of others and the diverse interests of society as a whole”.

What exactly is meant by “proper democratic oversight”? Who is to decide what is the “proper balance”?

Since “others” are made up of “individuals” it cannot be the right of any government or panel of medical “experts” to arbitrate what constitutes the best course of action for any individual with regards to their health – beyond informed consent – otherwise we are laid wide open to any manner of abuse.

Have your say. The consultation closes March 8. https://consult.justice.gov.uk/human-rights/human-rights-act-reform/

CLARA WEISS, NW3