Jack Straw to lay out British Bill of Rights proposals in Cambridge lecture

For the annual CELS Mackenzie-Stuart Lecture in the Faculty of Law on Thursday, 25 October, at 5.30pm, Mr Straw has chosen as his theme human rights in the 21st century.

The lecture is expected to hint at the arguments which might underpin the next stage in the development of the Human Rights Act – and in particular the possible introduction of a Bill of Rights And Responsibilities for the United Kingdom.

The Lord Chancellor is expected to consider the history of human rights, examining how the concept of rights has changed in the wake of global events.

Prior to becoming Secretary of State for Justice and Lord Chancellor earlier this year, Mr Straw, who is a former barrister, had held posts as Leader of the Commons (2006-7), Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs (2001-6) and Home Secretary (1997-2001). He is the MP for Blackburn and also ran Gordon Brown's Labour leadership campaign.

The Mackenzie-Stuart Lecture will take place in lecture theatre LG19 of the Faculty of Law, 10 West Road, Cambridge at 5.30pm. There will be an audio-visual link to lecture theatre LG18, which will act as an overspill once the main hall is full.

All are welcome and there is no need to pre-register to attend. Full details can be found from the Faculty website, which is linked to the right of this page. Please note that bags may not be taken into the lecture theatres.