Celebrating 800 years of Magna Carta
Today marks the 800th anniversary of the sealing of Magna Carta, an important, and timely opportunity to remind ourselves of the importance of the rule of law as the basis of a free, fair and prosperous society.
Magna Carta is the foundation that supports the fundamental civil liberties enjoyed by democratic countries across the world. Many see the 'Great Charter' as the starting point for human rights, and the most important document in the protection of the people from the powers of government.
The Magna Carta 800th Committee has described the historic document as 'the most valuable export of Great Britain to the rest of the world'. Indeed, because of Magna Carta, the world looks to Britain as the forerunner of human rights, and the supremacy of the rule of law in democracy.
Today is also an opportunity to restate our position in support of the rights and principles enshrined in the Human Rights Act. We are committed to defending the act, and will be closely monitoring any proposals and invitations for consultation from the government.
Magna Carta has been vital to our justice system for the last 800 years. It is of paramount importance that the principles it founded are safeguarded in Britain, and globally, not just for now, but for the next 800 years and beyond."
