Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has declared it would be a "profound mistake" to withdraw from the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR). His comments came during Prime Minister's Questions on Wednesday as he firmly ruled out leaving the treaty.
The Government will not withdraw from the convention but plans to examine the interpretation of some provisions. Ministers are specifically targeting Article 8 of the ECHR, which covers the right to private and family life, particularly in immigration cases.
The tightening of Article 8 usage forms part of broader immigration reforms outlined in the Government's white paper from May. The Home Office seeks to reduce the number of people claiming "exceptional circumstances" under this article to remain in the UK.
Parliamentary exchange on withdrawal
Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey challenged Starmer during Wednesday's session, stating: "The leader of the Conservative Party and the leader of Reform want to join Russia and Vladimir Putin by withdrawing from the convention. Will the Prime Minister categorically rule out withdrawing from the ECHR, or suspending it, or watering down our rights in any way?"
Starmer responded decisively: "We will not withdraw from the European Convention on Human Rights. We do need to make sure that both the convention and other instruments are fit for the circumstances we face at the moment." He warned that withdrawal would be "catastrophic for dealing with the problem that we are dealing with" as other countries would abandon agreements with Britain.
Justice Secretary defends position
Justice Secretary Shabana Mahmood told the Lords Constitution Committee that withdrawing would place Britain in a "club" with only Russia and Belarus. She emphasised that "the position of our Government is the direct opposite of that" and described ministers as "believers in what the convention is trying to achieve".
Mahmood acknowledged that European colleagues view the UK as being "more at the maximalist end of the spectrum" when interpreting international obligations. She said it was "perfectly fine for us to question whether we have drawn the line in the right place" while insisting the Government was not playing "populist politics" with human rights.
The Justice Secretary confirmed that proposals regarding Article 8 will be brought forward in the autumn and "may expand" beyond initial plans. She indicated that "fresh guidance, secondary legislation or primary legislation" are all potential options being considered by the Home Secretary.
Sources used: "PA Media" Note: This article has been edited with the help of Artificial Intelligence.
