Human Rights

The Bill of Rights would be very simple. It would define those core values that give us identity as a free nation. It would spell out the fundamental duties and responsibilities of people living in this country—duties as well as rights—and it would guide the judiciary and the Government in applying human rights law when the lack of responsibility of some individuals threatens the rights of others. It would enshrine and protect fundamental liberties. It would make that process quite clear. We would have far greater clarity and precision, which would allow those rights to be enforced more easily and effectively in circumstances where they ought to be protected, but it would be harder to extend them inappropriately, as happens under the present law. We need greater clarity and precision and we do not have that at the moment.