Deport foreign criminals without letting human rights laws block removals, Justice Secretary Shabana Mahmood has declared. She argues the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR) often shields offenders instead of victims. Speaking in Strasbourg, she insisted the UK remains committed to the ECHR but called for reforms to address modern challenges.
Mahmood accused the current system of favoring offenders over public safety. She highlighted cases where deport foreign criminals efforts failed due to Article 8 the right to family life. Dangerous prisoners have even used this rule to resist isolation in separation units, she claimed. “Human rights should defend the vulnerable, not help criminals evade justice,” she said.
Some Tory MPs want the UK to quit the ECHR entirely. They argue it undermines border control. Kemi Badenoch, Conservative leader, warned the treaty now “attacks democratic decisions.” A commission she launched will soon assess the risks of leaving. Meanwhile, nine European nations including Italy and Denmark also demand reforms to ease deportations.
The debate divides the Conservative Party. While hardliners push for an exit, critics warn quitting would isolate Britain. Liberal Democrat leader Ed Davey compared leaving to “joining Putin’s Russia.” He backs discussions to update the ECHR but insists most protections still work well.
The government plans new laws to clarify Article 8’s limits in immigration cases. Ministers want Parliament, not courts, to control deportations. Council of Europe chief Alain Berset admits the ECHR must “adapt” but opposes drastic overhauls.
Deport foreign criminals faster this demand grows louder as public frustration mounts. Yet with legal and political hurdles ahead, the battle over human rights and border security is far from over.
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