Balance of Competences consultation on Fundamental Rights

The Law Society of England and Wales and the Law Society of Scotland jointly responded to the Balance of Competences consultation on Fundamental Rights.

Background to the Review

The Balance of Competences Review was announced by the Foreign Secretary William Hague in July 2012 to examine the balance of competences between the UK and the European Union.

The Review is an audit of what the EU does, and how it affects government and the general public in the UK. This piece of work will deepen our understanding of EU membership, and help shape the UK’s policies in relation to the EU.

The Balance of Competences Fundamental Rights Review examines the balance of competences between the UK and the European Union on fundamental rights.

Fundamental rights are protections or guarantees for individuals that are built into the EU’s legal system. They set out basic freedoms and rights that anyone can expect, such as the right to freedom of expression and freedom to pursue a trade or profession.

The Government were seeking evidence from lawyers, non-governmental organisations and the public, on the impact of this competence on their own area of expertise