As part of the CVRO’s assessment of COVID-19 Review, we have carried out an analysis of COVID-19 related inquiries carried out by parliamentary committees over the last year. A list of all COVID-19 related inquiries carried out so far can be found here. The purpose of the analysis is to track the role of human rights … Continue reading “Human Rights and COVID-19 in Parliamentary Inquiries: Reflections on One Year of the Pandemic”
Category: COVID-19
Human Rights and COVID-19 in PMQs: Reflections on One Year of the Pandemic
As part of CVRO’s assessment of COVID-19 Review, we have carried out an analysis of ‘Prime Minister’s Questions’ (PMQs) during the pandemic. The purpose of the analysis is to track the role of human rights principles and discourse in these weekly Parliamentary sessions. PMQs as a mode of accountability PMQs take place every sitting Wednesday from … Continue reading “Human Rights and COVID-19 in PMQs: Reflections on One Year of the Pandemic”
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?”
Rights and the PAC Report on the Free School Meals Voucher Scheme
Today the House of Commons Public Accounts Committee (PAC) released its report on “COVID 19: the free school meals voucher scheme” pursuant to an inquiry undertaken at the end of 2020. Our evidence to the inquiry is available here. While recognising the difficult circumstances in which the free school meals voucher scheme was launched, the PAC … Continue reading “Rights and the PAC Report on the Free School Meals Voucher Scheme”
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”