Policy: Coalition tensions after U-turn on human rights

Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg risked further antagonising Tories backbenchers after he issued a warning that they tampered with the Act "at their peril".

The commitment to repeal the Act – which enshrines the European Convention on Human Rights in UK law – and replace it with a British Bill of Rights was a key commitment in the Conservative manifesto.

But it emerged yesterday that the coalition Government had decided to set up a commission to look at the issue of whether there was a case for new British legislation.

The latest controversy flared as Mr Clegg and Prime Minister David Cameron prepared to unveil the final coalition document today.

Tory MP Bill Cash, who, as Shadow Attorney General was instrumental in drawing up the original Tory policy in opposition, warned there was "very acute" concern among Tory MPs that the party's position was being watered down.

"I think our manifesto commitment was crystal clear. It said that we would replace the Human Rights Act with a Bill of Rights," he told BBC Radio 4's The World at One.

"We want things to work, we want stability, but there are also these democratic questions about being elected on manifesto commitments."

Asked about Mr Clegg's warning not to "tamper" with the act, Mr Cash retorted: "That is the view of Nick Clegg, it was not in my manifesto or my election address."