Our aim is to influence Brexit and post-Brexit policy in Labour and progressive circles, in order to make it compatible with human rights
Brexit and Human Rights
As the government begins Brexit negotiations with the European Union, LCHR embarks on a new project, 'Brexit & Human Rights', a year-long policy and advocacy project which will run from June 2017 to June 2018. Our aim is to influence Brexit and post-Brexit policy in Labour and progressive circles, in order to make it compatible with human rights.
With the assistance of a group of expert advisors, and with input from all the different constituent parts of the Labour movement, LCHR will examine the challenges and opportunities that Brexit poses for human rights in the UK. We will invite submissions from MPs, trade unions, civil society, Labour CLPs and members, and like-minded political parties, and holding high-level workshops focusing on the key issues. We will produce policy analysis and ideas to help inform the Labour Party and other progressive parties on how to ensure human rights are protected during and after Brexit.
The five key issues we are focusing on are:
Citizens’ rights, such as the residency rights of EU nationals living in the UK 🌍
How can Labour fight for a deal that will safeguard the rights of EU and UK nationals, whilst balancing the demands of the referendum with the lessons learnt from the recent general election.
The immigration system after Brexit 🛃
The design and implementation of the new immigration system for EU nationals can be used as an opportunity to address some of the key failings with the existing immigration system for non-EU nationals.
Human rights in post-Brexit trade deals 🤝
There is a significant danger that pressure to strike quick trade deals to boost prosperity, coupled with Britain’s reduced bargaining power, will result in a race to the bottom when it comes to aligning domestic regulatory standards with those of third countries. There’s also a danger that mechanisms designed to raise human rights standards abroad will be omitted from such deals.
Equality and employment rights 💪
Considering which rights may be most under threat, as well as how they could be amended or repealed without appropriate parliamentary scrutiny by using so-called Henry VIII powers.
Hate crimes and xenophobia 🚫
EU nationals are being put through the emotional turmoil of an uncertain future as a negotiating strategy, and to potentially cede control of the situation to other governments as a result, is indefensible as a course of action.