UK and EU Reaffirm Human Rights Commitment Despite Domestic Pressure

[Social Media]

 

UK and EU Reaffirm Human Rights Commitment Despite Domestic Pressure

 

Britain and the European Union are poised to make a joint commitment to the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR) at an upcoming summit, marking a significant moment in Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s efforts to reset the UK’s post-Brexit relationship with the bloc. According to a leaked draft of the joint statement prepared for the summit on May 19, both sides will emphasize the importance of upholding national law and international agreements, including the ECHR.

 

The document states that the UK and EU are “committed” not only to United Nations accords but also specifically to the European Convention on Human Rights. This declaration comes despite growing pressure from some Right-leaning Labour MPs and figures representing Red Wall constituencies, who have urged Starmer to reconsider Britain’s adherence to the ECHR.

 

 

Rather than aligning with these calls, the leaked draft underlines a continued partnership in upholding human rights obligations. The text also deliberately avoids controversial language around immigration, using the term “irregular” migration in place of “illegal” migration. “We recognise the shared challenge of irregular migration and the need to work across the whole route to address it,” the statement reads. “We note too the importance of securing our collective borders, while remaining committed to ensuring international protection for those who need it.”

 

Starmer has framed the upcoming summit as the beginning of a broader “Brexit reset,” which he hopes will pave the way for improved UK-EU relations after years of tensions under Conservative leadership. One of the key goals of the summit is to establish a new defence and security pact with the EU. Additionally, the Labour government is aiming to initiate talks that would smooth trade across borders, particularly for food products, and facilitate energy exchanges between Britain and Europe.

 

The leaked document emerges against a backdrop of ongoing debate around the role of the ECHR in UK immigration courts. Critics argue that the convention, particularly Article Eight which covers the right to a family life, has been exploited by lawyers to prevent the deportation of foreign criminals and undocumented migrants. Although Labour is working on proposals to reform how the ECHR is applied in court decisions, Starmer and his ministers have made clear that they have no intention of abandoning or circumventing the convention itself.

 

This position has drawn sharp criticism from the Conservative opposition. Chris Philp, the shadow home secretary, condemned the Labour government’s approach, saying, “This document shows Labour will not take the action needed to secure our borders. They are more interested in the ECHR, which is twisted by immigration lawyers and judges to allow dangerous foreign criminals and illegal immigrants to stay in the UK, than they are about protecting our borders.”

 

Philp also criticised the language used in the draft statement. “The reference to ‘irregular’ migration is also absurd – people crossing the Channel or Mediterranean are illegal immigrants. So long as we are led by Keir Starmer, a weak human rights lawyer, our borders will not be secure. It’s no surprise that 2025 so far has been the worst year in history for illegal immigrants crossing the channel under Starmer and Labour,” he said.

 

Despite this criticism, the Labour government appears determined to strengthen cooperation with the EU, while upholding international legal standards. The summit is expected to serve as a litmus test for Starmer’s broader ambitions to reframe Britain’s global posture and reinforce diplomatic ties once strained by Brexit-era divisions.

 

  Adpated by ASEAN Now from The Telegraph  2025-05-07

 

 

[JonnyF]

No surprise.

 

Starmer was a human rights lawyer and still is a Remainer. He has no respect for the people who voted to leave the EU. 

 

He will do as much to reverse Brexit as he possibly can before he loses power, despite having no mandate to do so.