Liberal Democrats launch campaign to save Human Rights Act from Tories

The two candidates for the Liberal Democrat leadership today launch a campaign to save the Human Rights Act from the Conservative axe.

Norman Lamb and Tim Farron will also warn of the dangers of Tory plans to pull out of the European Convention on Human Rights.

David Cameron is expected to include plans to scrap the HRA - an Act that incorporates the ECHR into British law - in Wednesday's Queen's Speech.

Liberal Democrats blocked Tory plans to weaken our human rights obligations in Government and we will continue to fight to stop them in Opposition.

Today the pair will put aside their leadership bids to speak up for legislation that has:

• Stopped the state spying on us, supported peaceful protest and protected soldiers.

• Helped rape victims, defended domestic violence victims and guarded against slavery.

• Supported those in care, shielded press freedom and provided answers for grieving families.

• Preserved our right to a fair trial, prevented indiscriminate stop-and-search and protected minorities.

Liberal Democrat MP Norman Lamb said:

"Our human rights laws have already achieved so much and we must not let the Tories trample all over them.

"They have stopped the state spying on us, supported peaceful protest and guarded against slavery. They have helped rape victims, defended domestic violence victims and shielded press freedom.

"The Liberal Democrats blocked David Cameron from scrapping the Human Rights Act in Government and we must stop him again now.

"That is why we are urging everyone to get behind our campaign to stop the Tories riding roughshod over our freedoms and rights."

Liberal Democrat MP Tim Farron said:

"By drawing up plans to scrap the Human Rights Act and laying the groundwork to pull out of the European Convention on Human Rights - the Tories are revealing their true colours.

"It sends a clear message to the British people: the next five years will be nastier, less liberal and less compassionate that any Government in living memory

"These are fundamental rights we all have and they define how we treat our citizens and offer our citizens protection from the state.

"They are the legacy of Winston Churchill and seeing the Tories trashing his legacy, I am in no doubt that today he would once again be a Liberal.

"We blocked them before and we must do all we can to block them again."