I am proud of the Human Rights Act which was passed through Parliament under the last Labour Government, as it protects basic rights that we all benefit from such as the right to be free from torture, the right to free speech, the right to a fair trial, the right to protest and freedom of association.

It also includes responsibilities as well as rights, it maintains Parliamentary sovereignty and remains a crucial check against unaccountable state power.

That is why I believe this current Tory Government's decision to abolish the Human Rights Act would severely weaken the rights of British citizens.  I also believe that withdrawing from the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR), from which the Human Rights Act was drawn, would be a shameful abandonment of Britain's historic respect for the rule of law and weaken our moral authority to demand change from those with weaker human rights records.

I therefore understand and share constituents' concerns about this Tory Government's intention to abolish the Human Rights Act and I can assure you that I will oppose any attempt to damage or dilute our human rights.

The Government are yet to spell out their precise plans in this area - indeed, they appear to be utterly confused about how they will now implement their manifesto commitment to scrap the Human Rights Act, or whether they will withdraw from the ECHR.

I can assure you that I, along with Labour colleagues, will carefully scrutinise any firm proposals the Government eventually bring forward on this and that I will continue to stand up for Britain's proud record on human rights.

Sharon Hodgson MP

last updated 31/07/2015