Uploaded November 2025 | Updated September 2026, 1 week ago
Organised by the Human Rights Institute and the Global Centre for Democratic Constitutionalism
About this event
The Human Rights Act 1998 (HRA) came into force 25 years ago. Since its introduction it has given rise to a wide-ranging debate about its scope, its application and whether and how it could be reformed. In 2020, the Lord Chancellor appointed an expert panel to review the HRA – the Independent Human Rights Act Review (IHRAR) – and to make recommendations for its reform. It reported in 2021; both its Report and an Executive Summary were published in Parliament.
Notwithstanding considerable and ongoing debate and discussion, no reforms have been implemented. Since 2021 the debate over human rights reform has continued and continues unabated.
The UCL Institute for Human Rights is very pleased to bring together an expert panel, chaired by Professor Virginia Mantouvalou, to discuss the lessons learned from IHRAR and, importantly, how and in which ways the HRA could now be reformed to enhance human rights protection in the UK. The time may likewise be ripe for considering reforms to the European Convention on Human Rights in respect of both article 8 of the Convention and its extra-territorial jurisdiction, together with any impact such consideration may have on the HRA.
Panellists
Sir Peter Gross (former Lord Justice of Appeal)
Simon Davis (former partner, Clifford Chance)
Raj Desai (Barrister, Matrix Chambers)
George Letsas (UCL)
Natalia Morales Cerda (UCL, member of GCDC)
Chair: Virginia Mantouvalou (UCL)
Organised by the Human Rights Institute and the Global Centre for Democratic Constitutionalism
About this event
The Human Rights Act 1998 (HRA) came into force 25 years ago. Since its introduction it has given rise to a wide-ranging debate about its scope, its application and whether and how it could be reformed. In 2020, the Lord Chancellor appointed an expert panel to review the HRA – the Independent Human Rights Act Review (IHRAR) – and to make recommendations for its reform. It reported in 2021; both its Report and an Executive Summary were published in Parliament.
Notwithstanding considerable and ongoing debate and discussion, no reforms have been implemented. Since 2021 the debate over human rights reform has continued and continues unabated.
The UCL Institute for Human Rights is very pleased to bring together an expert panel, chaired by Professor Virginia Mantouvalou, to discuss the lessons learned from IHRAR and, importantly, how and in which ways the HRA could now be reformed to enhance human rights protection in the UK. The time may likewise be ripe for considering reforms to the European Convention on Human Rights in respect of both article 8 of the Convention and its extra-territorial jurisdiction, together with any impact such consideration may have on the HRA.
Panellists
Sir Peter Gross (former Lord Justice of Appeal)
Simon Davis (former partner, Clifford Chance)
Raj Desai (Barrister, Matrix Chambers)
George Letsas (UCL)
Natalia Morales Cerda (UCL, member of GCDC)
Chair: Virginia Mantouvalou (UCL)
