The last few weeks have seen a comprehensive upheaval of the Government’s approach to COVID-19. In addition to a change in the Secretary of State for Health, there has also been a marked change in tone, which has shifted from imploring individuals to ‘follow the rules’, to emphasising ‘personal responsibility’ while committing to the … Continue reading “Accountability and the Government’s New Approach to COVID-19”
Category: COVID
A New Coronavirus Committee for Westminster?
Today the NGO Liberty has published its proposal for a new legislative framework to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic: their Coronavirus (Rights and Support) Bill. They propose that such a Bill would replace the Coronavirus Act 2020, which comes up for renewal at the end of March. While the proposed new Bill is expansive in … Continue reading “A New Coronavirus Committee for Westminster?”
Protecting Parliament’s Place in the Announcement of Covid-Related Policies: New Restrictions announced in Scotland
On 4 January First Minister of Scotland (“FMS”) announced additional restrictions for mainland Scotland, which had been on level 4 restrictions. The FMS pointed out that these new restrictions imposed a “temporary lockdown”, with “a legal requirement to stay at home except for essential purposes”. The new regulations were made on 4 January under the … Continue reading “Protecting Parliament’s Place in the Announcement of Covid-Related Policies: New Restrictions announced in Scotland”
Le Mailloux v. France (ECtHR) and the importance parliamentary COVID-19 review
This week the European Court of Human Rights deemed inadmissible the first case that came before it relating to the rights-compliance of COVID-19 responses. In Le Mailloux v. France (application no. 18108/20) (press release) the Court held that the applicant, Le Mailloux, was not a ‘victim’ under Article 34 of the Convention and therefore was not … Continue reading “Le Mailloux v. France (ECtHR) and the importance parliamentary COVID-19 review”