The Human Rights Act 1998 is safe - for now

But look out for more subtle attacks

The government has just finally confirmed it is dropping its plan to repeal the Human Rights Act and replace it with a "Bill of Rights".

This means is likely that the Human Rights Act will outlast the current government, despite the many attempts by this government to remove it.

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The "Bill of Rights" was as a flawed messy piece of legislation, seeking to make it has hard as possible for people to rely on their human rights under the European Convention.

We have long known the Bill was not going to progress.

Today was just confirmation.

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Nonetheless today’s announcement is welcome.

But.

The real folly of the former Lord Chancellor Dominic Raab was to attempt a big-bang full-frontal attack on the Human Rights Act and the rights it provides.

We can expect parts of the "Bill of Rights" to come back in other new legislation - less obvious, but still as as illiberal.

So liberals can a half a cheer, but vigilance will still be needed.