A report by a joint committee of MPs and peers raised concerns about the implications of provisions in the Immigration Bill, currently proceeding through the House of Lords. The committee raised particular concern about: a new clause, which would enable the government to remove United Kingdom citizenship from naturalized citizens whilst they were overseas; the impact of the Bill's provisions on children and dependents; and the protection of rights to a fair hearing/appeal.
Source: Legislative Scrutiny: Immigration Bill (second report), Twelfth Report (Session 2013–14), HC 1120 and HL 142, Joint Select Committee on Human Rights, TSO
Links: Report | Guardian report
Date: 2014-Mar
The government began consultation on proposals to make changes to PACE codes C and H, regarding the information given to suspects about their rights and about the accusations levied against them. PACE codes were established under the Police and Criminal Evidence Act 1984 to lay out the powers of police and make provisions to protect the rights of those suspected or accused of offences. The consultation would close on 22 April 2014.
Source: Home Office
Links: Documents
Date: 2014-Mar
A new book examined the foundations for law and practice in the coercive measures used by the state for crime prevention and public protection, focusing particularly on coercive measures involving deprivation of liberty. The book considered whether these measures could be justified, the impact on the boundaries between criminal and civil law, and whether their use was indicative of wider changes in the state's approach to security.
Source: Andrew Ashworth and Lucia Zedner, Preventive Justice, Oxford University Press
Links: Summary
Date: 2014-Mar