Lord IrvineA report commissioned by the Lord Chancellor, Lord Irvine, has questioned the success of the Human Rights Act (HRA) and called for an independent commission to help foster a human rights culture in the UK.

In a move that is likely to prove embarrassing for Irvine, who has steadfastly resisted calls for such a body, the report warns the HRA may have “little meaning” unless an “independent lead authority” is set up to promote the Act.