Forum: Thirteen years of Labour and Human Rights

Human Rights Unit and BPP Amnesty present:

Thirteen years of Labour and Human Rights

Tuesday, 23rd March at 6 pm

Location: BPP Holborn, Lecture Theatre, 68-70 Red Lion Street

Followed by a FREE drinks reception

In 1997, Labour promised to 'bring rights home'. Have they? This forum will discuss Labour's human rights record thus far, what mistakes have been made, what successes can be celebrated and what we have to look forward to from each party should they win the election.

Speakers:

TOM PORTEOUS (Chair): Director of Human Rights Watch, London

Since joining Human Rights Watch in October 2006, Tom has become a prominent voice for the protection and promotion of human rights in policy discussions in the UK and in the UK media. He oversees the full range of HRW issues, and has focused in particular on UK counter-terrorism policies at home and abroad, and on UK policy in Africa. Before joining Human Rights Watch, Tom had 25 years of experience working in journalism, conflict management and diplomacy in Africa, the Middle East, and Europe.

VERA BAIRD QC MP: Solicitor-General, Labour

In 2006 Ms Baird was appointed Parliamentary Under-Secretary in the Department for Constitutional Affairs. Her responsibilities included reform of the legal aid system, which underwent huge changes with a view to containing costs whilst ensuring access to justice for those who need financial assistance. She was the minister responsible for equalities, civil justice, social exclusion and women and sentencing. Prior to joining the government she was a criminal defence barrister at Tooks and was involved in key civil liberties and landmark cases involving battered women who kill.

DOMINIC GRIEVE QC MP: Shadow Justice Secretary, Conservative

A Queen's Counsel at 1 Temple Gardens, Dominic was elected to the House of Commons in 1997. In September 2001 he was appointed Conservative spokesperson for criminal justice and community cohesion as part of the Shadow Home Affairs team. From 2003 to 2008 Dominic was Shadow Attorney-General after which was appointed to Shadow Home Secretary. In January 2009 he became the Shadow Secretary of State for Justice, continuing his frontbench role in criminal justice matters, constitutional affairs and ethnic diversity.

BARONESS FALKNER: Liberal Democrat Spokesperson for Home and Foreign Affairs

Prior to being made a life peer in 2004, Baroness Falkner worked in several posts for the Lib Dems in the House of Commons and the party headquarters. In 2005 she became the first Muslim to be promoted to the front bench in UK parliamentary history, as a spokesperson on Communities and Local Government. Baroness Falkner's other parliamentary activities have included serving on committees scrutinising Human Rights, European Union Foreign Affairs, International Development and Defense and Legal Services. She also speaks on international terrorism and was a member of the Prime Minister's Taskforce on Muslim Extremism in 2005.

If you are interested in attending please RSVP to humanrights@bpplaw.co.uk.