Responding to the commitments outlined in today's Queen's Speech, Equality and Human Rights Commission Chief Executive, Rebecca Hilsenrath, said:
At a time of great uncertainty and change, it’s crucial we defend and advance standards for equality and human rights in the UK. We welcome a continued commitment to protect people from domestic abuse and to reform the Mental Health Act to ensure protection for those detained.
We will continue to use our legal powers and expert advisory role to bring about much needed change in these areas. However, for the Government to achieve its ambition of a fair and modern immigration system, changes should be made such as a 28 day time limit for detention to bring the UK in line with the rest of Europe.
Changes to voting procedures need to be thought through carefully. While we welcome moves to increase the participation of disabled people, plans for voter ID checks should not limit anyone from being able to exercise their right to vote.
