E

'Human Rights in the UK are better protected by pressure groups than by political parties.’ How far do you agree with this view?

Paragraph 1: The Role of Government and Legal Frameworks in Protecting Rights

Weaker Counterargument:

  • Some argue that government legislation provides robust protection for human rights.

  • Explanation: Frameworks like the Human Rights Act (HRA) and the Equality Act offer significant legal protections and accountability mechanisms.

  • Example Evidence: The Equality Act 2010 combats discrimination, ensuring fairness in employment and education.

Stronger Argument:

  • However, pressure groups often drive the effective application and enforcement of these rights, particularly when governments fail or retreat from commitments.

  • Explanation: Legal protections are often static without pressure groups advocating for their application in specific cases or challenging overreach.

  • Evidence: Care4Calais leveraged existing legal frameworks to oppose the Rwanda immigration plan, with the Supreme Court ruling it unlawful. This highlights how pressure groups ensure legal protections are upheld.

Paragraph 2: Inconsistencies in Enforcement and Civil Society’s Role

Weaker Counterargument:

  • Governments and public bodies have made efforts to uphold rights but are often inconsistent in enforcement.

  • Explanation: Political priorities sometimes override human rights concerns, leaving gaps in protection.

  • Example Evidence: Despite opposition from the judiciary and House of Lords, the government pursued the controversial Rwanda Plan.

Stronger Argument:

  • Civil society and pressure groups ensure consistency and accountability, often stepping in where governments falter.

  • Explanation: Advocacy and public campaigns led by pressure groups influence policies and drive meaningful changes.

  • Evidence: Marcus Rashford’s campaign for free school meals demonstrated the power of public mobilisation, leveraging the HRA to secure policy change. Stonewall’s efforts achieved marriage equality and LGBTQ+ education reforms.

Paragraph 3: National Security vs. Civil Liberties and Pressure Group Accountability

Weaker Counterargument:

  • Critics argue that the UK’s human rights framework balances civil liberties with national security, even if it appears restrictive at times.

  • Explanation: Measures like the Prevent strategy aim to protect public safety but face backlash for disproportionately targeting certain groups.

  • Example Evidence: While controversial, the Prevent strategy is defended by some as a necessary trade-off for security.

Stronger Argument:

  • Pressure groups challenge such overreach, ensuring civil liberties are not unjustly sacrificed in the name of security.

  • Explanation: They mobilize public opinion, scrutinize policies, and hold governments accountable for rights violations.

  • Evidence: The 2024 Palestine Solidarity Campaign mobilised over 250,000 people, exemplifying how public demonstrations can pressure the government to adhere to human rights standards.