A/HRC/21/9 Introduction 1. The Working Group on the Universal Periodic Review (UPR), established in accordance with Human Rights Council resolution 5/1 of 18 June 2007, held its thirteenth session from 21 May to 4 June 2012. The review of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland was held at the 7th meeting, on 24 May 2012. The delegation the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland was headed by Lord McNally, Minister of State, Ministry of Justice. At its 13th meeting, held on 30 May 2012, the Working Group adopted the report on the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland. 2. On 3 May 2012, the Human Rights Council selected the following group of rapporteurs (troika) to facilitate the review of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland: Angola, Indonesia and Norway. 3. In accordance with paragraph 15 of the annex to Council resolution 5/1 and paragraph 5 of the annex to resolution 16/21, the following documents were issued for the review of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland: (a) A national report submitted/written presentation made in accordance with paragraph 15 (a) (A/HRC/WG.6/13/GBR/1); (b) A compilation prepared by the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) in accordance with paragraph 15 (b) (A/HRC/WG.6/13/GBR/2); (c) A summary prepared by OHCHR in accordance with paragraph 15 (c) (A/HRC/WG.6/13/GBR/3). 4. A list of questions prepared in advance by Norway, Slovenia, Sweden and the Netherlands was transmitted to the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland through the troika. These questions are available on the extranet of the UPR. I. Summary of the proceedings of the review process A. Presentation by the State under review 5. At the thirteenth session, on 24 May 2012, the Minister of State for the United Kingdom introduced its national report. He explained he was leading the United Kingdom delegation, supported by officials from within the Coalition Government and the Devolved Administrations of Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. 6. The United Kingdom said it was proud of its human rights record but there was always room for improvement. One of the strengths of universal periodic review was to learn from a wide variety of perspectives and experiences and make enjoyment of human rights a reality in people’s everyday lives throughout the world. The United Kingdom was looking forward to hearing the views, perspectives and recommendations of other States. The United Kingdom’s review came in the midst of the world’s worst financial crisis for over half a century. In order to reduce the deficit and restore economic stability some very difficult decisions have had to be made to reduce public spending. In doing so, the United Kingdom had tried to protect the most vulnerable in society. 7. The United Kingdom reaffirmed its long-standing commitment to advancing human rights both at home and internationally. The United Kingdom’s aim for the second UPR cycle was to strengthen this unique mechanism, preserving its universality and constructive 3