Pressure Grows on UK Prime Minister Sunak to Withdraw from European Convention on Human Rights
Members of UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak’s Cabinet are increasing the pressure on him to take the country out of the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR), potentially creating a significant division within the government. Levelling Up Secretary Michael Gove and Business Secretary Kemi Badenooch, both prominent figures within the governing Conservative Party, have called for a discussion about the UK’s membership in the ECHR. Home Secretary Suella Braverman has long advocated for leaving the convention.
The main reason behind this push to withdraw from the ECHR is many Tories’ belief that it hampers the government’s ability to deport asylum seekers to Rwanda. Sunak has prioritized stopping small boats carrying asylum-seekers from arriving in the UK, with deportation to Rwanda forming a central part of his policy. However, the Strasbourg court overseeing the ECHR has intervened to block these efforts, and the British Supreme Court is expected to rule on the matter by the end of the year.
While Sunak’s team anticipates a victory in the British case, failure could significantly increase the pressure on the Prime Minister to withdraw from the ECHR. Gove, who supported Badenoch’s bid for party leadership last year, stated that the UK should keep every option open regarding the convention. This issue is potentially seismic due to the UK’s substantial involvement in drafting and signing the ECHR in 1951. Brexit supporters consider the ECHR to grant foreign control over the country’s immigration policy. If the UK were to leave the convention, it would likely face accusations of surrendering its global leadership role.
Throughout its seven-decade history, only two nations have abandoned the ECHR: Greece, during a period of military rule, and Russia, under President Vladimir Putin. The treaty upholds fundamental principles such as free elections, respect for property rights, and access to education. Foreign Secretary James Cleverly expressed his belief that leaving the ECHR is not necessary to protect UK borders.
However, withdrawing from the ECHR would pose an immediate challenge for Sunak. The convention is embedded in the peace treaty that ended decades of violence in Northern Ireland in 1998. Security Minister Tom Tugendhat questioned the alternative for the Good Friday Agreement if the UK were to withdraw.
The debate surrounding the UK’s participation in the ECHR brings about significant implications. As pressure mounts on Prime Minister Sunak, the decision to withdraw or remain will shape the country’s stance on human rights and its relationship with the international community.
