The English Bill of Rights 1688 (Constitutional) used in court 2017 - by a judge

https://www.bailii.org/ew/cases/EWHC/Fam/2017/1949.htmlShow more

31. Finally, in respect of the law, it is also important to note that what the parents seek to do in compiling their online petition is to obtain redress from Parliament or the Government or both regarding a personal grievance by way of petition.

32. The right of the subject to petition the Crown for redress for personal grievances was recognised in Magna Carta (although it probably dates to the Anglo-Saxon monarchs of England) and, more explicitly, in an Act of 1406 (Rotuli Paliamentorium 7 & 8 Hen. IV, No 63). The Bill of Rights of 1689 (1 William & Mary, session 2, cap 2) restated the right to petition the Crown, and the protection afforded to that right, in clear and unambiguous terms, stipulating that "…it is the right of the subjects to petition the King, and all commitments and prosecutions for such petitioning are illegal." The Bill of Rights continues to apply in England and Wales. The right of the citizen to petition Parliament or the Government in respect of a personal grievance has thus been, and remains a fundamental constitutional principle (within the context of the right to Petition the European Parliament under Art 44 of the European Charter of Fundamental rights, the right to petition has been described as a fundamental right (see C-261/13 P Schönberger v Parliament)). Within this context, the House of Commons has a comprehensive body of rules that make provision for the submission of public petitions (see HC Standing Orders (Public Business) (2009)).

33.I did not hear detailed submissions on the operation of the Bill of Rights in this case and, specifically, on the effect (if any) of the prohibition it contains on "commitments and prosecutions" with respect to petitions seeking redress. Given the answer produced by the balancing exercise in respect of the ECHR rights engaged in this case, it has not been necessary to consider the point further. However, in a case where the balancing exercise were to come down in favour of injuncting a parent from circulating online a petition aimed at seeking redress from Parliament, it may well be necessary to go on to consider whether the fact that "all commitments and prosecutions for such petitioning are illegal" under the Bill of Rights of 1689 renders such a course unlawful.