Shami Chakrabarti to give lecture on repeal of the Human Rights Act (HRA)

Liberty

Press release issued: 20 January 2016

On 9th February 2016, Shami Chakrabati, will be addressing first year and postgraduate constitutional rights students on the 'Save our HRA' campaign.

As she steps down as director of Liberty, Shami's lecture will provide insight into the the organisations 'Save the HRA' campaign which calls for the preservation of the Human Right Act and the rejection of a 'British Bill of Rights' in fear that repeal of the HRA would lead to reduced protection for our civil liberties;

Our HRA has already achieved so much. It’s held the State to account for spying on us; safeguarded our soldiers; and supported peaceful protest. It’s helped rape victims; defended domestic violence sufferers; and guarded against slavery. It’s protected those in care; shielded press freedom; and provided answers for grieving families. Its protections are the most fundamental – those we should all enjoy, because we’re human.

In the Liberty campaign video Shami asks, "Which of these freedoms would you be willing to lose? Because that’s the threat we now face."

Lecturer in Law Katie Bales organised the lecture;

Shami Chakrabati is a hugely inspirational speaker. It is an honour that she has agreed to come and speak and I hope that all postgrads and undergrads will be in attendance to show her why Bristol law school is such a vibrant and free thinking community.

The lecture will take place in University of Bristol's Victoria Rooms on 9th February, 2016 from 12-1 and will be followed by a book signing.

Further information

As well as being named as one of the 100 most powerful women in the UK in 2013 by Radio 4's Women's Hour, and having been included in The Sunday Times "100 Makers of the 21st Century" list, Ms. Chakrabati is Chancellor of the University of Essex. In 2011 she was announced as one of the panel members of the Leveson Inquiry, describing her invitation as 'a daunting privilege' and that it reflected Liberty's 'belief in an appropriate balance between personal privacy and media freedom and above all in the Rule of law'.

More information about Ms. Chakrabati's work can be viewed on the Liberty website.