On September 28, 2017, OxHRH Director, Sandra Fredman (Oxford), Deputy-Director, Meghan Campbell (Birmingham) and Alison Young (Oxford) hosted a workshop The Impact of Brexit on Equality Law.

The report is now available: The Impact of Brexit on Equality Rights: Workshop Report. 

The report canvasses the discussions on

• Parliamentary Sovereignty and Equality Rights
• The Future Role of the Court of Justice of the European Union
• The UK’s Remaining Human Rights Committments
• Worker’s Rights and Equality
• Future Free Trade Agreements

The workshop addressed crucial questions—that are not always getting the attention required—that need to be considered so that Brexit does not result in a diminution of the right to equality in the UK. There are even opportunities in leaving the EU to enhance the right to equality. However, it is imperative that this be done in manner that includes all voices with the UK, including devolved legislative bodies and Parliamentarians at Westminster, and not just members of the executive. Difficult challenges must be addressed openly and given careful consideration.

The report concludes that equality is a right, not a hand-out or a tool for political negotiations. It is a fundamental commitment and it is binding. Only by placing the value of equality at the core of the withdrawal process can Brexit work for all people in the UK.