The Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission is to be given right of entry to prisons and powers to compel witnesses to give evidence to it, under proposals published by the British government today.

The Police Service of Northern Ireland has welcomed the Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission report into its training of probationary constables and student officers.

Northern Ireland’s Human Rights Commission needs more money, additional powers and better support from Whitehall if it is to operate effectively, a parliamentary committee reported today.

Sweeping changes to end discrimination and improve the rights of gays, lesbians and bisexuals in Northern Ireland were urged today.