Treatment of MPs examined

• Inquiry: Democracy, free speech and freedom of association
• Joint Committee on Human Rights

Background

The European Convention on Human Rights protects the right to freedom of expression, the freedom of association, and the right to privacy and family life. It also protects the right to free and fair elections.

How can rights be exercised in a way which supports democracy? Some rights can be limited if necessary and proportionate in a democratic society.

What is the correct balance between the right to protest, including to protest against things an MP has said, and the democratic need for MPs to have the freedom to represent their constituents and communicate with the public?

Purpose of the session

There are increasing concerns about the line between free speech and abuse and about the targeting of politicians, culminating in a recent string of incidents of harassment and intimidation outside Parliament.

The Joint Committee on Human Rights will examine how to balance rights to ensure effective democracy in a public session on Wednesday 30 January from 3.05pm.
 
MPs and Peers will ask witnesses, including leaders of backbench groups Graham Brady MP (1922 Committee), John Cryer MP (PLP) for their views on the scale of the problem and what they think is the correct balance between these human rights.

Witnesses

Wednesday 30 January 2019, Committee room 4a, Palace of Westminster.

At 3.05pm

• Vicky Ford MP, Chair, All-Party Parliamentary Group on Women in Parliament
• Sir Graham Brady MP, Chair, 1922 Committee
• Dr Lisa Cameron MP, Chair, All-Party Parliamentary Group on Disability
• Julie Elliott MP
• John Cryer MP, Chair, Parliamentary Labour Party

Further information

• About Parliament: Select committees
• Visiting Parliament: Watch committees

Image: PC