In this study, an audit of British compliance with international human rights standards is carried out. It provides an up-to-date description of law and practice with respect of freedom of information, looking at both the political and legal aspects of political freedom in the UK.

In this landmark study, a thorough audit of British compliance with international human rights standards is carried out. The book identifies 44 violations and 19 near violations. It provides an up-to-date description of law and practice with respect of freedom of information; freedom of expression; freedom of assembly and public protest; freedom of association and trade unionism; state surveillance; the right to life and liberty; and the right to vote and stand in elections. This study looks at both the political and legal aspects of political freedom in the UK. It measures political freedom specifically against international standards and provides the 'Human Rights Index' - a new system for measuring political rights which may be used to monitor new legislation in the UK from next year or in any country in the rest of the world. This is the most rigorous and systematic review of the political and legal systems for protecting political freedom in the UK yet published. It challenges the existing political and legal system and finds it wanting. The Three Pillars of Liberty will be essential reading for all those interested in their rights and the rights of others.

Foreward Part 1 Introduction 1. Political Freedom in the UK
2. Auditing Political Rights and Freedoms Panel How to Use this Book Part 2. The UK's Arrangements for Protecting Political Rights Introduction The Three Pillars of Freedom Index Ensuring and Securing Democratic Rights 3. Government and the Parliamentary Watchdog 4. The Culture of Liberty 5. The Passage of the Criminal Justice and Public Order Act 1994 6. How the Courts Protect Political Rights 7. Equal Access to Political Rights Conclusions 'The British Way of Doing Things'
Part 3. Political Rights and Freedoms - The Audit 8. The Ascendancy of Official Secrecy Freedom of Information 9. A Freedom too Governed by Law Freedom of Expression 10. The Residual Right of Public Protest Freedom of Assembly 11. The Mixed Record 12. The Chilling Effect of State Surveillance State
Surveillance 13. The Use of Force, Arrest and Detention Life and Personal Liberty 14. Britain's Missing Voters The Right to Vote and Stand for Election Part 4. The Balance Sheet 15. Findings and Conclusions Appendix 1 The Democratic Audit of the United Kingdom Appendix 2 The ICCPR Appendix 3 the ECHR Table of Cases Human Rights Instruments Used Bibliography