As the four month consultation by the UK government on a Bill of Rights draws to a close, the Human Rights Consortium today delivered 34,000 signatures of support from the general public for a strong Bill of Rights to the offices of the Secretary of State.

The signatures were gathered  via a mail delivery to every home in Northern Ireland,an  online petition and several street signature collecting days. People have indicated their support for a strong Bill of Rights that protects everyone, that protects rights like health, housing and education, and that is effective and enforceable.

Chairperson of the Human Rights Consortium, Fiona McCausland said:

“We put out the call, and the people of Northern Ireland responded in their tens of thousands.  The figures are not about support for our campaign – they are about support for a Bill of Rights for Northern Ireland.  By replying in such numbers, the people have indicated their clear wish for a strong and inclusive Bill of Rights. ”

Consoritum member Patrick Yu from the NI Council for Ethnic Minorities and Consoritum staff member Lynda Sullivan delivered the thousands of signatures to Hillsborough Castle with the help of a forklift.