Ministry of Justice
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Rights and responsibilities
A national debate is launched today to explore whether a clearer common understanding of our rights and responsibilities might be built by articulating them in a single text - a Bill of Rights and Responsibilities.
The green paper published today in Parliament, Rights and Responsibilities: developing our constitutional framework, also asks what should be included in any future statement.
Launching the green paper today, Jack Straw, Justice Secretary,
said:
"In difficult times, people need to know that their
fundamental rights and freedoms are protected, whatever happens in
the world around them, and that others will behave responsibly
towards them.
"That is why the Government has emphasised the importance of fair chances, fair rules and having a fair say; that everyone should play by the rules.
"We believe it is important that people know their rights and their responsibilities. That common knowledge helps bind us together as a nation.
"This Government is proud to have introduced the Human Rights Act and will not backtrack from it or repeal it. But we believe more should be done to bring out the responsibilities which accompany rights.
"We also believe that there could be merit in bringing together rights such as free health care, victims' rights and equality, which are currently scattered across the UK's legal and political landscape.
The wide-ranging and comprehensive debate launched today aims to provide the opportunity to consider the fundamental arguments for and against a Bill of Rights and Responsibilities, as well as the advantages of the individual components of such a Bill. The discussions could lead to a significant constitutional development with these responsibilities drawn together in one place for the first time.
The Paper lists some of the responsibilities we have, and asks if
some should be explicitly stated in a single document,
including:
* Obeying the law, reporting crimes and
co-operating with prosecution agencies,
* Paying taxes,
*
Participating in civic society through voting and jury
service,
* Treating NHS and other public sector staff with
respect,
* Safeguarding and promoting the wellbeing of
children in our care,
* Living within our environmental limits.
Notes to Editors
1. A copy of Rights and Responsibilities: developing our constitutional framework can be downloaded at http://www.justice.gov.uk/publications/policyreports.htm
2. For more information contact the Ministry of Justice Newsdesk on 020 3334 3536.
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