Liberty - Protecting civil liberties, promoting human rights

The ComRes polling, commissioned by Liberty, sends a clear message to all political parties about the importance of the Human Rights Act.

Yet less than a tenth of respondents (9%) remember ever having received or seen information from the Government explaining the Act. Ten years on, Liberty is urging politicians from all parties to do more to educate the public about the fundamental rights and freedoms contained in the Human Rights Act and to remember Britain’s role in setting an example in the wider world.

Key findings from the polling include:

• 95% of respondents believe the right to a fair trial is vital or important
• 91% believe the right not to be tortured or degraded is vital or important
• 94% believe that respect for privacy and family life is vital or important

Shami Chakrabarti, director of Liberty, said:

"On the tenth anniversary of the Human Rights Act, this poll shows overwhelming public support for fundamental rights and freedoms. We hope the politicians are listening."

Contact: Liberty Press Office on 020 7378 3656 or 07973 831 128

NOTES TO EDITORS

 

1.     ComRes interviewed 1000 GB adults by telephone between 24 and 26 September 2010. Data was weighted to be demographically representative of all GB adults. ComRes is a member of the British polling council and abides by its rules. For a copy of the full findings, please contact Liberty’s press office on 020 7378 3656.

 

2.     The Human Rights Act came into force on 2 October 2000. It incorporates the European Convention on Human Rights, which itself embodies many of the principles of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, signed on 10 December 1948. Read more about international human rights.

3. Liberty’s campaign to protect the Human Rights Act is Common Values. High res campaign images are available for use on request to the Liberty press office.

4. Find out more about the rights in the Human Rights Act and what they mean by visiting our What's Not To Love? guide to the Human Rights Act.