1.1: Democracy and participation Flashcards

Question

What is a Cause/Promotional group?

Answer 1

CAUSE/PROMOTIONAL GROUP 1. Seek to promote issues of interests to its members and supporters concerning a particular topic. a) They are heavily focused on achieving a particular goal/publicising to an issue. b) EXAMPLE. Friends of the Earth - United in protecting the environment. 2. A special category of cause group is one that promotes the interests of a group on society - usually, one that cannot stand up for itself as members don’t belong to a social group for which they campaign. a) EXAMPLE. Shelter - Most members of the housing charity are not homeless themselves but stand up for a group that cannot necessarily stand up for their rights. b) EXAMPLE. Greenpeace - Deeks to promote environmental issues and the rights of animals.

Answer 2

SECTIONAL/INTEREST GROUP 1. Seek to protect the interests of members (an occupation or another group in society). a) EXAMPLE. Muslim Council of Britain - Represents the interests of British Muslims. b) EXAMPLE. National Union of Students (NUS) - Represents the interests of students. 2. Membership is usually restricted to people who meet specific requirements, such as professional qualifications in a particular field. a) EXAMPLE. Law Society is only open to solicitors b) EXAMPLE. AA, Automobile Association to protect car owners. c) EXAMPLE. CBI, Confederation of British Industry to represent the interests of business leaders and entrepreneurs

Answer 3

SOCIAL MOVEMENT 1. Very similar to cause groups but are more chaotically structured and less organised as well as usually being political radical and seek to achieve a broader objective. 2. Pressure groups can often emerge from social movements. a) EXAMPLE. ‘Camps for Climate Action’. - For short periods in 2007-10 to protest the expansion of Heathrow airport, coal power stations in Yorkshire and other environmental targets b) EXAMPLE. Extinction Rebellion. - A social movement directed at combating climate change following a global movement/marches at 'Friday for Futures'.

Answer 4

INSIDER GROUPS 1. Have the privileged access to government decision making. a) They tend to have objectives that are broadly in line with the views of the government, increasing their leverage. - Access Points - The points at which a group can apply pressure. b) They rely on private contacts with ministers and civil servants to negotiate behind the scenes. - EXAMPLE. Tony Blair was keen to advance the rights of gay people so the LGBT Foundations was liaised as a vital source of information. c) Insider groups are subdivided into two groups: - High profile groups. - Low profile groups. d) Trade Unions often gained insider status under a Labour Government. - EXAMPLE. Jack Jones, general secretary of the Transport and General Workers' Union was often called the 'most powerful man in Britain' in the 1970s for the influence he wielded on PMs. e) EXAMPLE. National Farmers Union (NFU). - Has a close link with the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs. - Yet tends not to publicise their achievements in order to avoid offence. f) EXAMPLE. British Medical Association (BMA). - Represents doctors and so possesses specialist information which governments wish to consult. g) EXAMPLE. Howard League for Penal Reform - An impartial organisation which can supply the home office with important information concerning prison, police and youth crime. OUTSIDER GROUPS 1. Not to be seen to be influencing the government or not consulted by the government. a) Their objectives may be so far outside the political mainstream. - EXAMPLE. The Gurkha Justice Campaign achieved residency rights for Gurkhas who served in the British military because of its high profile campaign. b) They resort to less discreet, media-heavy methods to draw attention to their concerns. c) Many groups move from Insider to Outsider due to Political circumstances. - Such as Trade Unions changing power under Thatcher. d) What mainly distinguishes them are their methods. - EXAMPLE. SPEAK campaign, an animal rights protest try to intimidate animal testing laboratories into ceasing their work are unlikely to enter dialogue with the government. - EXAMPLE. Black Lives Matter UK, obstructed flights at London City Airport in September 2016 to draw attention to their claim that ethnic minorities are disproportionately affected by pollution.

Answer 5

PRESSURE GROUP TACTICS 1. Indirect Action a) Publicity. b) Leaflets / Adverts. c) Petitions. d) Providing research. 2. Direct Action a) Lobbying. b) Protests. c) Boycotts. d) Civil Disobedience (causing obstruction, sit-ins, lie-downs…). 3. Illegal Direct Action a) Terrorism - intimidation of workers or owners/management of a business. b) Violence - bombing, shootings, threats, attack. c) Criminal damage - damage to property, releasing animals into the wild (Animal Liberation Front).

Answer 6

PRESSURE GROUP SUCCESS 1. Resources a) A large membership who pay subscription gives a group greater financial resources to run offices, pay permanent staff and organise publicity. - EXAMPLE. The RSPCA employs 1600 people and affords newspaper advertising. b) The size of the group's membership can display public opinion and sometimes impact Government policy. - EXAMPLE. CND had 110,00 members yet Thatcher still ignored their well-orchestrated demonstrations due to reliance on the passive support of the public majority. c) Wealthy pressure groups will run offices close tp points of access. - EXAMPLE. Lobbying firms have offices in Brussels and Strasbourg to lobby EU policy. d) Can take cases to the Supreme Court. - EXAMPLE. Plane Stupid blocked a third runway at Heathrow in February 2020. 2. Ideological compatibility with the Government a) Insider contacts with government ministers and civil servants are often a key to success. b) The political bias of the government will determine which pressure groups are able to claim insider status. - EXAMPLE. Trade Unions contribute to the Labour Party and are somewhat entitled to influence. - EXAMPLE. Pressure groups which represent big business, such as the Institute of Directors or the Taxpayers Alliance are more influential in a Conservative administration. c) The government will usually listen to the groups on which it relies on the specialist knowledge policy area. - EXAMPLE. National Farmers Union to DEFRA for a 2013 Badger Cull to prevent tuberculosis. 3. Popularity/Public Support a) Pressure groups whose agenda is in step with public opinion are usually more successful than those whose objectives fail to engage it, or whose methods alienate potential sympathisers. - Celebrity endorsements can provide an effective way of generating positive media coverage. b) EXAMPLE. The Snowdon campaign to ban the use of handguns was successful largely because of the public reaction to the 1996 Dunblane primary school massacre where 16 children and a teacher were killed. 4. Expertise (tactics and Leadership) a) Experienced, capable leadership is vital to success, also successful to know the access points in the UK political system to target. b) Social media provides new opportunities for engagement. - Hashtag campaigns can mobilise campaigns. c) 'Clickocracy' mobilises public support since they can engage purely online. - EXAMPLE. 38 Degrees provides members to quickly choose and launch their own online campaigns. d) Collaboration among pressure groups can broaden support. - EXAMPLE. The RSPCA’s joint venture to secure the ban on hunting with dogs in 2004 with ‘International Fund for Animal Welfare’. e) Civil disobedience is a risky strategy but it can create immediate publicity. - EXAMPLE. In 1867, riots in Hyde Park demanding an extension of the franchise quickened the pace for reform. - EXAMPLE. In March 1990, riots against the poll tax in Trafalgar Square undermined Thatcher, contributing to her resignation and John Major abandoning the tax. f) Trade Unions can call strikes. - EXAMPLE. The National Union of Rail, Maritime and Transport Workers (RMT) called month-long strikes in December 2019 against reform to remove the guard from working as a conductor.

Answer 7

EXAMPLE. SUCCESSFUL PRESSURE GROUPS 1. The Gurkha Justice Campaign a) Gurkhas are Nepalese soldiers who have traditionally served in the British military. - Only those who retired after 1997 were granted the right to live in Britain. b) The aim was to extend the right to live in Britain to all retired Gurkhas. c) Actress Joanna Lumley gave a powerful endorsement. - Her leadership of a large delegation to present a petition signed by 250,000 to Downing Street generated highly positive media coverage. - Her constant pressure on Gordon Brown created so much negative publicity that the government granted equal rights of residency to all Gurkhas. 2. Hillsborough Family Support Group/Hillsborough Justice Campaign a) 96 Liverpool fans lost their lives at Hillsborough Football stadium on the 15th April 1989 after they were crushed to death in the overcrowded and fenced-in stadium. - It was the worst sporting disaster in British history. - The families claimed that the tragedy had been caused by the South Yorkshire Police's crowd control. - Police blamed hooliganism and a verdict of 'accidental death' was recorded. b) The group was set up to demand a reopening of the case to achieve justice. - This was endorsed by a 130,000 strong e-petition for an independent enquiry. c) The e-petition created intense media interest and led to the disclosure of a new inquest in the verdict of 'unlawful killing' was reached. - This opened the way for the prosecution of those in charge of policing on the day. - Lobbying by Liverpool MPs and campaigning by the Daily Mirror contributed to the reopening of the case. 3. Surfers Against Sewage a) 'Message in a bottle' campaign demonstrated growing public outrage at the way in which disposable plastic containers are blighting coastlines. - Every day, only 50% of the 38.5 million plastic drink containers are recycled. b) Other environmental groups such as the 'Council for the Preservation of Rural England' and '38 degrees' also campaign on the issue. - In 2018, the government announced that it was going to introduce a deposit return scheme for all plastic, metal and glass containers. c) The success of this campaign was helped by facts together with viable solutions to the problem. - PM Theresa May and Environmental Secretary Micheal Gove were keen to forward the proposals. 4. Action on Smoking and Health (ASH) a) ASH was established in 1971 and its campaigns have achieved significant such as banning smoking in enclosed workplaces, pubs and restaurants. - They have also removed displays of tobacco from the point of sale and introduced plain packaging with explicit images of the harm of tobacco. b) These successes have been facilitated by the research of the British Medical Association. - BMA is a sectional group whose primary purpose is to protect the interests of doctors, yet also function as a cause group on an issue affecting public health. - They already contributed to the introduction of a ban on smoking in enclosed public spaces from 2007. c) Ban on smoking in cars carrying children. - Concentrating on a prohibition when Children were being carried in cars, attracted other pressure groups such as Asthma UK. - They used online technology to lobby for support, providing members with a web-based form to personalise and send to their MPs. - Made its case to the House of Lords. - A Labour peer introduced an amendment to the 2014 Children and Families Bill, which was passed by the Lords and later accepted by the commons by 376 votes to 107. The ban came into force in October 2015. - Had more success than its main adversary FOREST (Freedom Organisation for the Right to Enjoy Smoking). EXAMPLE. UNSUCCESSFUL PRESSURE GROUPS 1. Stop the War Coalition a) In 2003, they organised the biggest demonstration in British History of up to 2 million people in London against Tony Blair's support for an American-led invasion of Iraq. b) Although the march was peaceful and had prominent anti-war activists such as Tony Benn, it did not change government policy. c) The lack of success of the campaign was because Blair was committed to overthrowing Saddam Hussein. - The Conservatives also supported the government, giving Blair a majority of 179. 2. The Occupy London Movement a) In October 2011, a group of protesters occupied the square in front of St Paul’s Cathedral in London, through erecting their tents until they were evicted by order of the High Court 4 months later. b) They were protesting about corporate greed in the City of London (responsible for social inequalities). - Their actions were echoed by demonstrations in other cities, including Wall Street. - At the time the coalition government spending cuts were widely condemned for making life harder on the poor, while the rich went unscathed. c) A senior clergyman at St Paul’s resigned his post in solidarity with the protestors and there was some sympathy for the camp when the Police were sent to clear the camp. d) The Occupy London failed to achieve long-lasting results. - This is due to the firm stance taken by the authorities, initially, they tolerated the camp, yet they decided to take further action to prevent other settlements. - The movement's objectives were too broad and incoherent to give them any chance of success. - Representing a general hostility to global capitalism and didn’t possess any practical, achievable goals. - Social media didn’t build a long-term group. 3. Fathers4Justice a) Campaigns to change the law on behalf of fathers' rights in cases of divorce or separation. - Founded by Matt O'Connor in 2001. b) It initially gained public attention through a number of high-profile stunts. - One member scaled Buckingham Palace dressed as Batman whilst another claimed a crane dressed as Spiderman. - In 2004, in its most high-profile exploit, 2 activists hurled purple flour bombs at Tony Blair during PMQT. c) Later stunts became outlandish and self-defeating. - Included naked protests in Marks and Spencers on Oxford Street. - One campaigner, Tim Haries, was given a 6-month jail sentence for spray painting 'Help' across a portrait of the Queen in Westminister Abbey (vandalism). d) These failures have meant that it has focused more n engaging with the pubic and distance itself from violence and civil disobedience.

Answer 8

EXAMPLE. HUMAN RIGHTS PRESSURE GROUPS 1. Liberty a) Exposes discrimination, highlights infringements of the HRA and fights attempts by the government to restrict civil liberties. b) Engages through various political processes, especially through online campaigns. - The Director of Liberty, Martha Spurrier puts forward the case for civil liberties through the media. c) Liberty appreciates the importance of influencing decision-makers. - Like professional lobbying companies, Liberty works with like-minded MPs such as David Davis and Tom Watson and the former director Liberty, Baroness Chakrabarti to encourage cross-party support. d) Opposed the introduction of identity cards under Tony Blair and campaigned against Brexit jeopardising civil liberties by demanding a 'People Clause' in the repeal legislation underwriting all existing EU human rights legislation. e) Liberty has launched judicial reviews in cases where it believes that the government has exceeded its powers and acted ultra vires. - In 2017, Liberty challenged the legality of the Investigatory Powers Act on the grounds that the European Court of Justice declared its 'general and indiscriminate' approach to private individuals data to be illegal. 2. Human Rights Watch a) Monitors the extent to which government around the world protect the human rights of their citizens. - Its regular reports highlight abuses, including government counterterrorism strategies conflicting with civil liberties. b) Following the Grenfell Tower disaster, Human Right Watch has investigated the extent to which the civil liberties of those living in social housing have been compromised by inadequate safety standards. - With help from justice4grenfell. 3. Stonewall a) Committed to 'acceptance without exception'. - It focuses on lobbying Parliament to legislate to protect the rights of LGBT people. b) It has helped to change the law so that gay people can serve in the military in 2000, as well as giving couples the same adoption rights as heterosexual couples. 4. Howard League for Penal Reform a) Campaigns for the Rights of Prisoners. - It has struggled to persuade the Government to implement its agenda. - Prisoners cause is not a popular campaign but they secure smaller victories such as 2014 High Court ruling that obliged the government to drop the ban on prisoners families sending books. b) Unsuccessful in securing a reduction in the size of the prison population. - Governments are unlikely to side with pressure groups that campaign for the rights of minority groups whom the public regards as undeserving of sympathy.

Answer 9

COLLECTIVE ORGANISATION 1. Think tanks a) Groups of experts from different backgrounds who are brought together to investigate particular topics and to offer solutions to complicated economic, social or political issues/devise policy. - Also seen as ‘Ideas Factories’, as an alternative source of ideas to the civil service, with more time and expertise. b) Most think tanks are staffed by young, ambitious individuals who see this as a springboard for their Political careers (David Miliband). - Vary from fringes of parties (The Fabian Society is a socialist think-tank) whereas some are impartial (Chatham House and Demos). c) EXAMPLE. The shift of the Conservative Party towards a more overly free-market orientated approach in the 1970s owed a great deal to Margaret Thatcher patronage of right-wing think tanks, such as the Centre for Policy Studies and the Adam Smith Institute. d) EXAMPLE. Iain Duncan Smith set up the Centre for Social Justice, and when made Work and Pensions Secretary, he introduced ‘Universal Credit’. 2. Lobbyist a) Members of professional organisations who are paid by clients seeking access to Government, MPs or members of the House of Lords. - The purpose is to gain influence on behalf of their clients, particularly when legislation that affects their clients’ interests is under consideration. - This is an extension of a long-established principle that members of the Public may Lobby their MPs in person or by letter. b) There is unease on the legitimacy of the professional Lobbying activities. - Many dislike the influence that is being brought. - Parliamentary code of conduct strictly bars MPs from accepting money for agreeing to represent a viewpoint. - There was a lack of regulation until in 2014 when the Government made it a legal requirement for anyone lobbying for a third party to register. c) Many are huge business, employing 4000 people with £2 billion spent on it each year. - Now companies frequently discuss their concerns with the business department or treasury. - The government carries out consultation exercises to assess the impact of proposed legislation on groups and then modify their plans. d) Gateway to corruption. - EXAMPLE. In 2015, former foreign secretary, Jack Straw (Labour) told a fake lobbying company that he operated 'under the radar' and had previously used his contacts and influence to change EU rules for a company which paid him a salary of £60,000 a year. - EXAMPLE. In 2015, former foreign secretary, Malcolm Rifkind (Conservative) told a fake lobbying company that he could provide 'useful access' to every UK ambassador in the World. A usual fee per day was somewhere in the region of £5,000 - £8,000. e) Lobbyists are necessary to democracy because they broaden the debate so all sides are heard. - EXAMPLE. The Raptor Alliance, which represent pigeon fanciers, argue that the RSPB has been so successful in protecting birds that they are now killing off racing pigeons. By organising an 'All-Party Parliamentary Group for Pigeon Racing' and in 2018 organising the first Lords versus Commons pigeon race since 1928 raised publicity and support. - EXAMPLE. Since the Gin Act 1751, small scale production had been forbidden in order to stop bootlegging. However, in 2008, lobbyists succeeded in having the act repealed and now boutique gin is becoming one of the UK's most enterprising new exports. 3. Corporations a) Large business organisations are an area of concern for pro-democracy campaigners. - There is a so-called ‘revolving door’ process wherein senior politicians and officials take well-paid jobs in the private sector after they leave government service. - There’s a suspicion that they use knowledge and contacts to benefit the interests of these corporations.

Answer 10

PATRONAGE | - Support, encouragement, privilege, or financial aid that an organization or individual bestows to another.

Answer 11

HUMAN RIGHTS (soft law) - Legally protected freedoms, yet they are difficult concepts as they mean different things to different people. - In the UK these rights are guaranteed in the 1998 Humans Rights Act. CIVIL RIGHTS/LIBERTIES (hard law) - Refers to the individual's relationship with the state. Citizens of a democracy enter into a contract with the state; it guarantees them certain rights in return they have obligations: 1. Legal (obeying the law, paying taxes, performing jury service). 2. Moral (voting in elections or even active citizenship). a) Active Citizenship extends this moral obligation to include offering voluntary service to help the community.

Answer 12

CIVIL RIGHTS 1. Positive Rights a) Freedom of expression in speech and writing. b) Freedom of conscience, including worshipping as one wishes. c) Right to vote. d) Right to stand for election, join a party or pressure group. e) Right to belong to an association such as trade union. f) Freedom of movement (without restriction). g) There are also Social Rights - These are more contentious, including the right to education, employment, healthcare and welfare provision. 2. Negative Rights (protect citizens from the state) a) Right to privacy. b) Right to fair and equal treatment under the law. - Includes the right to a fair trial or the right not to be imprisoned without a trial.

Answer 13

HUMAN RIGHTS MILESTONES 1. Magna Carta 1215 a) The foundation for British civil liberties by stating that the law should be impartial and that no freeman should be convicted of a crime unless he had been fairly trialled. b) Presented to King John by nobles who disapproved of his tyrannical rule, its original purpose was to limit royal power. 2. Bill of Rights 1689 a) By accepting this, William III agreed to govern with the consent of Parliament, thereby establishing the principle of a constitutional monarchy bound by the law. 3. Entick v Carrington 1765 a) In a case involving trespass, Lord Camden lay down the principle that government officials 'cannot exercise public power unless such exercise of it is authorised by some specific rule of law'. - In short, the government can only act according to the law protecting the rights of citizens from despotic rule. 4. Somerset v Stewart 1772 a) Lord Mansfield stated that slavery within the UK was illegal since it had not been legislated by an Act of Parliament and was unsupported by the common law. - Set the precedence for the elimination of slavery within Britain. 5. Representation of the People Act 1928 a) This established the principle of universal suffrage in the United Kingdom. 6. European Convention on Human Rights 1950 a) Drawn up by the Council of Europe (not part of the European Union). b) This is enforced by the European Courts of Human Rights in Strasbourg. - Where people could appeal that their rights have been infringed in their own countries. c) It is similar to the United Nations Declaration of Human Rights 1948 (after WW2). 7. Human Rights Act 1998 a) New labour passed this act which incorporated the ECHR into UK Law with effect from 2000. - Clarified on the rights that a British citizen should claim. b) Included: - The right to life. - The prohibition of torture or degrading treatment. - Freedom from arbitrary arrest (The arrest of an individual in a case in which there is no likelihood or evidence that they committed a crime against legal statute, normally on the basis of prejudice). - The right to a fair trial. - Rights to privacy and family life. c) This is now enforceable in British courts without going to Strasbourg which is expensive and time-consuming. 8. Freedom of Information Act 2000 a) This established a 'right of access' to information held by public bodies so long as it does not compromise on national security. - Came into force in 2005. b) EXAMPLE. The MPs expenses scandal in 2009 was exposed because journalists were able to demand access to this information. 9. Equality Act 2010 a) This brought together earlier pieces of legislation that had sought to outlaw discrimination and unfair treatment, such as the Equal Pay Act 1970, the Sex Discrimination Act 1975 and the Race Relations Act 1976. b) It identified nine ‘protected characteristics’: - Age. - Disability. - Gender reassignment. - Marriage or civil partnership. - Pregnancy and maternity. - Race. - Religion or belief. - Sex. - Sexual orientation. b) It made it illegal for public bodies, employers, service providers and other organisations to discriminate against people on any of these grounds.

Answer 14

TOLERANCE - The ability to tolerate the existence of opinions or behaviour that one dislikes or disagrees with. - Originally referred to as Religious Tolerance (until the Early 19th Century, only members of the Church of England could vote, stand for Parliament…). - Philosopher John Locke said ‘No one religion had a monopoly on the truth’. - Many conservatives say tolerance should be limited to preserve order and unity. - Liberals look to extend tolerance to all.

Answer 15

RESTRICTION ON CIVIL LIBERTIES 1. Individual rights are sacrificed due to concerns over security in the interest of protecting the wider community. a) The Anti-Terrorism Crime and Security Act 2001 - Gave the government the legal power to imprison foreign terrorist suspects indefinitely without trial. - Was in response to the 9/11 attacks in the USA. b) Serious Organised Crime and Police Act 2005 - Limited the right of protest outside Parliament and created a new offence of inciting religious hatred. c) Terrorism Act 2006 - Extended the time terrorist suspects can be held without charge to 28 days and made 'glorifying terrorism' a crime. - In November 2005, the Blair Government’s proposal to extend the period that a suspect could be held before being charged, from 14 to 90 days - this was defeated in the commons. - Followed the 7/7 underground and bus bombings. d) Identity Cards Act 2006 - Created identity cards and a national identity register which would store information on citizens. e) Terrorism Prevention and Investigation Measures Act 2011 - Abolished control orders and allows the Home Secretary to impose restrictions on the behaviour of a specified individual. f) Investigatory Powers Act 2016 - Authorises the retention of personal electronic data and its access to law enforcement.

Answer 16

FAULTS IN THE HUMAN RIGHTS ACT 1. A v Secretary of State for the Home Department 2004 a) In 2004, senior judges declared that the way in which foreign terrorist suspects were being held by the government was 'discriminatory' according to the European Convention on Human Rights. b) In the face of this legal challenge, the government released the detainees from Belmarsh Prison. 2. Abu Qatada a) Attempts by the government to deport Abu Qatada, an Islamic preacher who had entered the UK illegally, to face trial in Jordan was stopped for 8 years on the grounds that the evidence used against him might have been acquired through torture. - This would have broken articles 3 and 6 of the human rights act). b) Only in 2013, after the UK signed a treaty with Jordan pledging that such evidence would not be used, was he flown back, yet he was cleared of involvement in terrorism. 3. HJ and HT v Home Secretary 2010 a) The Supreme Court declared that homosexuality could provide grounds for claiming asylum in the UK if the claimants were from countries where homosexuality was persecuted.

Answer 17

PROTECTION OF CIVIL LIBERTIES 1. Rights are not codified as they are no different to any other Act of Parliament. a) As a result, Parliament remain the supreme lawmaker and can still enact legislation even if it conflicts with the European Convention on Human Rights. b) Judges have less power to protect civil liberties. 2. Indicator of the growing prominence of rights is through the use of Judicial review a) Defenders say a judicial review is a vital means of defending citizens’ rights, allowing the legality of governments actions to be appropriately scrutinised. b) EXAMPLE. A prominent example of judicial review is called ‘judge-made law’. - Judges have been accused of effectively creating a privacy law through the way they have interpreted the Human Rights Act. - In cases of high profile court cases, they appear to give priority to Article 8 of the European Convention of Human Rights (right to privacy) over Article 10 (the right to freedom of expression) as claimed by the press, even though Parliament had not passed specific legislation, it has not explicitly covered by common law. - EXAMPLE. Max Mosley, the head of Formula 1 motor racing organisation was awarded substantial damages by the High Court in 2008 when the News Of The World published a story about his sex life, which he argued breached his private life. c) There were 4,240 Judicial reviews in 2000 to 15,600 in 2015.

Answer 18

BRITISH BILL OF RIGHTS 1. Since the passing of the Human Rights Act, it has often been claimed that the UK has developed a ‘Rights-Based Culture’. a) All new legislation must be compliant with the act. b) Judges can declare earlier acts incompatible with it, although they cannot legally compel Parliament to make changes, due to parliamentary sovereignty. 2. Many on the right of British Politics believe a serious fault of the Human Rights Act is that it shows favour for underserving individuals rather than protecting the legitimate freedoms of UK Citizens. a) Many argue for a ‘British Bill of Rights’ would establish the supremacy of British courts over the European Court of Human Rights.