Convention rights—compatibility of legislation

Produced in partnership with Alexander Campbell of Cornerstone Barristers

Practice notes

Convention rights—compatibility of legislation

Produced in partnership with Alexander Campbell of Cornerstone Barristers

Practice notes

Parliamentary statements of compatibility

The Human Rights Act 1998 (HRA 1998) is designed not only to give people a remedy when their rights under the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR) have been breached, but also to encourage governments and Parliament to give greater thought during the legislative process to whether an intended piece of legislation will be compatible with Convention rights.

HRA 1998, s 19 requires a Minister of the Crown in each House of Parliament, before the second reading of a Bill, to make a statement to the effect that the Bill is compatible with Convention rights (a section 19(1)(a) statement) or, alternatively, (section 19(1)(b)) to the effect that they are unable to make such a statement, but the government wishes Parliament to proceed with the Bill in any event.

The form of the statement of compatibility

The statement of compatibility must be in writing, but there is no prescribed manner in which the statement must be published. The statement must be published in such manner(s) as the minister making it considers appropriate.

Forms

Alexander Campbell

Barrister, Cornerstone Barristers

Alex is a skilful and experienced barrister whose practice primarily spans issues of public law and property law. Alex’s experience of complex public law issues including human rights, equality issues makes him extremely well-placed to assist clients in litigation across the many fields of law in which these issues arise.

Alex has been praised by judges as an 'excellent’ advocate, for his ‘forensic precision’ in approaching cases and has been described as ‘an expert’ in his fields of practice. He is well-liked by clients for his approachable manner and for his ability to bring clarity to complex cases. He is ranked in Chambers and Partners 2018 and is described as a ‘rising junior with a growing reputation’.

Alex was called to the Bar after an exceptionally strong academic background. Alex holds a law degree from Trinity College, Cambridge and was awarded multiple prizes for his academic performance whilst there. He holds a Master’s degree in French Law from France’s most prestigious law school, l’Université de Paris II – Panthéon-Assas, and a Master’s degree with distinction in public law and human rights from University College London. Alex has been the recipient of a prestigious Pegasus Scholarship under which he spent time working as a barrister in Paris.

Alex writes regularly in legal publications in his areas of practice online, in journals and books.

Jurisdiction(s):

United Kingdom

Key definition:

ACT definition

What does ACT mean?

Association of Corporate Treasurers.

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