Starmer and Frederiksen Urge Reform of European Convention on Human Rights Ahead of Strasbourg Talks
Sir Keir Starmer has called for a tougher policing stance and a modernised interpretation of the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR) ahead of upcoming Strasbourg talks. Starmer, alongside Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen, co-authored a Guardian article advocating for reforms to the ECHR's interpretation to better address issues arising from mass mobility and to resonate more with voters.
The provisions of the ECHR frequently cited include Article 8, which protects family life, and Article 3, which prohibits torture or inhumane treatment; these articles are often used to block deportations. The UK government intends to introduce legislation to change how Article 8 is interpreted in UK courts and reassess the thresholds for Article 3.
In addition, a political declaration by European ministers is expected to influence the European Court of Human Rights' interpretation of the treaty, and the UK plans to advocate for these reforms across Europe. While the Labour Party remains committed to the UK's membership in the ECHR, the Conservative Party and Reform UK have pledged to discontinue membership if elected.
Amnesty International UK has warned that these proposed reforms would weaken existing human rights protections, emphasizing that human rights should not be optional. Labour's asylum reforms are modelled after Denmark's policies aimed at reducing small-boat crossings and lowering the number of asylum seekers.
Meanwhile, French far-right leader Jordan Bardella criticized the Starmer-Macron deal as merely a "sticking plaster," calling instead for a comprehensive overhaul of France's border policy to permit push-backs and described the agreement as a smokescreen.
