Human Rights: Whether in Europe or out? - Professor Sir Geoffrey Nice QC | Summary and Q&A

TL;DR

The debate on the Brexit referendum is closely tied to human rights and their role in the decision-making process.

Key Insights

• 🤨 The referendum debate on Brexit raises important questions about the future of human rights in the UK and their role in decision-making.
• 🤗 Open democracy and the limitations of voting are being discussed alongside human rights.
• 📁 The possibility of adopting the Swiss system of direct democracy or avoiding referenda is being considered.
• 💁 Education and information for less interested or less educated voters are important factors in the debate.
• 🗯️ The UK's role in the Council of Europe and its contributions to human rights protection are being reflected upon.
• 🇪🇺 The impact of leaving the EU on the European Union's Charter of Fundamental Rights and its enforcement mechanisms is being deliberated.
• 🗯️ The significance of case law and court decisions, both national and European, in shaping human rights protection is highlighted.

Transcript

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Questions & Answers

Q: How is the Brexit debate dealing with human rights issues?

The Brexit debate recognizes that the outcome of the referendum could have significant implications for human rights and their protection in the UK. It is being discussed alongside open democracy and the role of politicians.

Q: Should voting on highly complicated issues be limited to specialist voter panels?

The possibility of specialist voter panels for complex referenda issues is being considered in the Brexit debate. This recognizes that some issues may be too technically difficult for the ordinary citizen to vote on and may be better dealt with by experts.

Q: How is the role of referenda being discussed in the Brexit debate?

The Brexit debate is examining whether the UK will move towards a Swiss system of direct democracy, where frequent referenda on proposed laws influence government actions. There is also consideration of whether referenda should be avoided due to the complexity of political problems.

Q: How is the education and information of less interested or less educated voters being addressed in the Brexit debate?

The debate acknowledges that voters with less interest or education may require more information and guidance in making their decision. It recognizes the role of tabloid and brexit-inclined press in shaping public opinion and emphasizes the importance of providing accurate and accessible information to all citizens.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• The referendum on Brexit raises issues about human rights and open democracy, and how they will be impacted by the outcome.

• The debate surrounding the referendum also brings up questions about the universal franchise, limitations on voting, and the possibility of specialist voter panels.

• The Swiss system of direct democracy and the role of referenda in decision-making are also being considered in the Brexit debate.