Advocate for a British People's Bill of Rights: Putting British Citizens First

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The Issue

"British rights should be protected by a British Peoples Bill of Rights, interpreted by British courts and accountable to the British people."

Why Britain Needs a People's Bill of Rights
The Government's Bill of Rights focuses largely on how rights are interpreted by the courts. While that is important, it does not adequately address the everyday concerns of ordinary British people.

Our proposed British Bill of Rights goes further.
It is built around a simple principle: the rights of British citizens should be clear, protected, and balanced with responsibilities.
For many people, rights are not just legal arguments debated in Westminster and the courts. They are about everyday life.
They are about being able to speak freely without fear.
They are about being treated equally under the law.
They are about raising a family in a safe community.
They are about privacy in the digital age.
They are about fair access to justice.
They are about democratic accountability and ensuring that those in power remain answerable to the people they serve.


A modern British Bill of Rights should also recognise responsibilities.

A strong society is built not only on rights but on respect for others, respect for the law, and respect for our shared values.
Our vision is for a Bill of Rights that:
Protects freedom of speech.
Guarantees equality before the law.
Protects privacy and digital freedoms.
Strengthens democratic rights and accountability.
Protects family life and parental rights.
Safeguards private property.
Recognises the importance of public safety.
Protects future generations by making fundamental rights harder for any government to remove.
This is not about political parties. It is not about left or right.
It is about creating a lasting constitutional settlement that puts British citizens first and protects the freedoms we value most.
Britain gave the world Magna Carta, parliamentary democracy, and the rule of law.

We now have the opportunity to create a modern Bill of Rights that reflects the values, freedoms and responsibilities of the British people in the twenty-first century.


That is why we need a People's Bill of Rights, not simply a Government Bill of Rights.
Protect Our Rights. Protect Our Future. 🇬🇧

As an Englishman, I strongly believe that the rights and freedoms we cherish should be protected by a legal framework that reflects the values and principles of the United Kingdom. Currently, our rights are enshrined within the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR), which, although significant, does not necessarily reflect the unique democratic landscape of our nation. A British Bill of Rights, created by our own democratic institutions, would redefine our relationship with the laws that govern us, ensuring they are both representative and accountable.

Over the years, I have become increasingly concerned that crucial decisions on significant issues like immigration, public safety, and national policy are influenced by external legal frameworks which the British public feels disconnected from. Decisions that impact our daily lives should be governed by laws that we have collectively fashioned and approved through our democratic process. It is about ensuring that every decision, rulings, and legislative act is rooted in the context of British society and is crafted with direct input from its citizens.

A British Peoples Bill of Rights would be pivotal in safeguarding fundamental freedoms such as freedom of speech, religious liberty, equality before the law, and the right to a fair trial. Moreover, it would protect our privacy rights, property rights, and our cherished right to demonstration and protest. By enacting this Bill, the UK would lay the groundwork for a more transparent and accountable legal system, one that respects and incorporates the voice of its people.

I call upon the UK government to initiate a comprehensive debate on this matter, engaging experts, civil society, and citizens alike, to shape a Bill that accurately reflects modern Britain. This move would underscore our commitment to democratic ideals while fortifying the trust and confidence of the British people in their institutions.

Join me in advocating for a British Peoples Bill of Rights that aligns with our values and democratic principles.

Sign this petition to urge our lawmakers to take this important step towards ensuring that our rights and freedoms are governed by a framework designed by us, for us. Your support is crucial in bringing about this necessary change for our nation's future.

THE BRITISH PEOPLES BILL OF RIGHTS

We, the people of the United Kingdom, affirm our commitment to liberty, democracy, justice, responsibility, and the rule of law.

Recognising the sovereignty of Parliament, the independence of the courts, and the rights and freedoms of every individual, we enact this Bill of Rights to secure the liberties of present and future generations.

The rights set out in this Bill shall apply equally to all persons under the jurisdiction of the United Kingdom and shall be protected by the courts of the United Kingdom.

PART I: FUNDAMENTAL FREEDOMS

Article 1 - Right to Life

Every person has the right to life and shall not be deprived of life except in accordance with law.

Article 2 - Equality Before the Law

All persons are equal before the law and entitled to the equal protection of the law regardless of race, sex, religion, disability, age, or other protected status.

Article 3 - Freedom of Speech

Every person has the right to freedom of speech, expression, opinion and peaceful debate.

This right may be restricted only where necessary to protect national security, public safety, the prevention of crime or the rights of others.

Article 4 - Freedom of Religion

Every person has the right to practise, change or reject any religion or belief and to manifest that belief peacefully.

No person shall be compelled to adopt any religion or belief.

Article 5 - Freedom of Assembly

Every person has the right to peaceful assembly, protest and association.

Restrictions may be imposed only where necessary to protect public safety, national security or the rights of others.

Article 6 - Freedom of the Press

The press shall be free to investigate, criticise and report on matters of public interest without interference except as provided by law.

PART II: JUSTICE AND DUE PROCESS

Article 7 - Fair Trial

Every person charged with a criminal offence is entitled to a fair and public hearing before an independent court.

Article 8 - Presumption of Innocence

Every person shall be presumed innocent until proven guilty according to law.

Article 9 - Protection Against Arbitrary Detention

No person shall be detained except according to law.

Every detained person shall be informed promptly of the reasons for detention.

Article 10 - Protection from Double Jeopardy

No person shall be tried or punished twice for the same offence except where new and compelling evidence emerges in serious criminal cases.

Article 11 - Access to Justice

Every person shall have access to the courts and to legal representation in accordance with law.

PART III: PRIVACY AND PROPERTY

Article 12 - Right to Privacy

Every person has the right to respect for their private and family life, home and personal communications.

Interference may occur only in accordance with law and where necessary in a democratic society.

Article 13 - Property Rights

Every person has the right to enjoy and protect their lawfully acquired property.

Property shall not be taken by the state except:

Under clear legal authority;
For a legitimate public purpose; and
With fair compensation.

Article 14 - Data Protection

Citizens shall have the right to know what information is held about them by public authorities and to challenge inaccuracies.

PART IV: DEMOCRACY

Article 15 - The Right to Vote

Every eligible citizen has the right to vote in free, fair and regular elections.

Article 16 - Democratic Accountability

Government shall remain accountable to Parliament and the electorate.

No public authority shall exercise powers not granted by law.

Article 17 - Parliamentary Sovereignty

The UK Parliament remains the supreme law-making authority of the United Kingdom.

No foreign court or institution shall possess authority to overturn Acts of Parliament.

: PUBLIC SAFETY AND NATIONAL SECURITY

Article 18 - Duty of the State

The state has an obligation to protect citizens from terrorism, organised crime, violence and hostile threats.

Article 19 - Emergency Powers

Emergency powers may be exercised only where strictly necessary and for limited periods approved by Parliament.

Article 20 - Border Security

The state shall maintain effective border controls and immigration systems in accordance with law.

: RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Article 21 - Civic Responsibility

All persons shall respect:

The rule of law;
The rights and freedoms of others;
Democratic institutions;
Public order.

Article 22 - Responsibility of Public Authorities

All public bodies must exercise their powers fairly, proportionately and transparently.

PART VII: FUTURE GENERATIONS

Article 23 - Environmental Stewardship

The Government shall seek to protect and enhance the natural environment for future generations.

Article 24 - Access to Education

Every child shall have access to education that enables them to become informed, responsible and productive members of society.

Article 25 - Protection of Children

The welfare of children shall be a primary consideration in decisions affecting them.

PART VIII: CONSTITUTIONAL SAFEGUARDS

Article 26 - Protection of Rights

The courts of the United Kingdom shall have authority to uphold the rights contained within this Bill.

Article 27 - Amendment Procedure

This Bill of Rights may be amended only by:

An Act of Parliament; and
Approval by a two-thirds majority in both Houses of Parliament.

Article 28 - Constitutional Review

A Constitutional Rights Commission shall review the operation of this Bill every ten years and report to Parliament.

This Bill protects liberty while preserving democratic accountability.

It guarantees fundamental freedoms, ensures equality before the law, safeguards national security, protects property and privacy, and secures the sovereignty of Parliament.

It stands as a permanent covenant between the people, their government and future generations.

The Decision Makers

Andy Burnham
Prime Minister

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