Thread by @AdamWagner1

1/ Will Theresa May's proposed new stop and search powers breach human rights laws?

I think there is a potential that they may, but it will need to be tested by the courts

bbc.co.uk/news/uk-477606…

2/ The 'section 60' searches have been approved by the UK's most senior court in a case called Roberts, but it sounds like the new laws will make it easier for police to use the powers by reducing safeguards

hja.net/can-stop-and-s…

supremecourt.uk/cases/docs/uks…

3/ The Supreme Court considered the issue in 2015 on the basis of the stronger safeguards, explicitly mentioning - for example - that a senior officer had to approve the use of the power, a safeguard which will now be taken away supremecourt.uk/cases/docs/uks…

4/ Another question is whether the recent European Court of Human Rights judgment in Beghal, which was about stop and search powers without reasonable suspicion at ports, may have an impact hudoc.echr.coe.int/eng?i=003-6342…

5/ Beghal was in a different context - anti-terrorism - but Court does appear to tighten up on stops without reasonable suspicion, saying they aren't necessarily unlawful but will need carefully calibrated safeguards. Surely relevant when the s.60 safeguards are being reduced?

6/ Thoughts and comments welcome