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A Possible Bill of Rights
This is my idea of a possible construction for a future Bill of Rights for Britain. I'd like to hear your views on what you'd add, or take out. After all, if we get one, it'll be you deciding! nb. Please note I am not a solicitor! The language used is mock-legal. So please don't nit-pick!
All citizens of the United Kingdoms of England and Scotland and the Principality of Wales* shall have the following rights and privileges:
The right to free and open expression of their views, through any means, except where such views contradict current laws of incitement to racial hatred. The right to gather and move about freely, without restriction, except where such gatherings create a serious breach of the peace and jeopardise the safety of others. For example, a riot. The right to go about the business of their lives without prejudice or discrimination on grounds of race, gender, disability, sexual orientation, or religion. This includes all dealings with governmental agencies and departments, and in education and the workplace. The right to personal safety and safety for all their legal property. i.e. Citizens shall be protected by the Police and/or other agencies from physical or mental harm, and damage to or misappropriation of their property. The right to participate in the democratic running of the aforementioned states. All citizens are entitled to vote once in all elections, local, national, or European, and in all referendi. The right to travel outside the boundaries and juristiction of these states on the agreement of whatever other state(s) they are visiting or passing through. As citizens, they shall be required to carry a passport, and as a holder of such shall be entitled to all the help and assistance of British Embassies and Consulates abroad, that they are able to give. Also, the conduct, positive or negative, of said citzens shall reflect on the state as a whole and affect its stance toward said citizen and dealings with foreign governments. The right to view and/or access all information held on paper or on any retrieval system of any kind relating to themselves. Excepting information which is deemed confidential for reasons of national security. The right to silence when placed in a situation where they may incriminate themselves The right to legal representation when required if unable to provide their own. The right to fair and impartial hearing in any disputes. The citizen for their part will agree to abide by any decisions arising from said legal matters. This includes all criminal cases. The right to require of their government that it be open and accountable to all enquiries from citizens, of any nature. Also that said government provide information, etc. to satisfy the enquiry. The government shall also be obliged, through all means - social, political and economic to assist in the betterment of all citizens. This includes the provision of minimum requirements for life and health, and education and training for future endeavours.
We, the citizens of the United Kingdoms of England and Scotland and the Principality of Wales, agree to the terms of these articles, by majority decision, and shall enforce them to the best of our ability.
The interpretation and enforcement of these articles is hereby devolved to the judiciary and government of the United Kingdoms of England and Scotland, and the Principality of Wales.
* - This terminology is used as a means of better including Scotland and Wales in the government of Britain. Also assuming that N. Ireland and the Dependent Territories would have their own such Bill of Rights.
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