David Cameron was today warned that peers will attempt to “torpedo” moves in the Queen’s Speech to ditch the Human Rights Act.
Liberal Democrats are also preparing for a battle in the Lords if plans in a widely-anticipated counter-extremism Bill in tomorrow’s speech are deemed too draconian.
Alistair Carmichael MP, the party’s home affairs spokesman, fired the warning shot over seeking to replace the Human Rights Act with a Bill of Rights, a reform expected to be consulted upon.
“We will try to torpedo this plan in the Commons and Lords,” he said.
The Lib-Dems feel existing laws to stop “hate preachers” entering Britain and spreading their messages are strong enough.
They fear a further crackdown will “strengthen the grievance agenda that extremist individuals peddle”.
Labour peers may try to amend bills on Tory manifesto commitments but are not intent on killing them off.
However, a senior Labour source predicted David Cameron risks a revolt from his own peers if he seeks to stop the Upper House being able to block secondary legislation.
