<P> The Human Rights Act places a duty on all courts and tribunals in the United Kingdom to interpret legislation so far as possible in a way compatible with the rights laid down in the European Convention on Human Rights ( section 3 ( 1 ) ) . Where this is not possible , the court may issue a `` declaration of incompatibility '' . The declaration does not invalidate the legislation , but permits the amendment of the legislation by a special fast - track procedure under section 10 of the Act . As of August 2006 , 20 declarations had been made , of which six were overturned on appeal . </P>
who does the human rights act 1998 apply to
all courts and tribunals in the United Kingdom