Starmer vows rethink on international law to tackle migration

Starmer vows rethink on international law to tackle migration

Sir Keir Starmer has highlighted the need for his government to reassess international law in response to the challenges posed by “mass migration.” The prime minister indicated a forthcoming major revision regarding the application of the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR) in immigration matters, while emphasizing that the UK would not withdraw from existing treaties. This statement followed the unveiling of plans by his home secretary to tighten regulations for migrants seeking indefinite leave to remain, a topic that took center stage at the Labour Party conference focused on countering the insurgent Reform UK.

Speaking on Radio 4’s Today Programme, Sir Keir emphasized the necessity of reevaluating the interpretation of various international laws by UK courts in light of the contemporary circumstances. He noted that the surge in mass migration necessitates a renewed approach to interpreting legal provisions, rather than advocating for their dismantling. Regarding deportation issues, he discussed a scenario involving a Brazilian paedophile who argued that he would face harsher conditions in Brazil than in a British prison, distinguishing between cases of potential summary execution and those based on concerns such as healthcare or prison standards abroad.

Situations hindering the deportation of foreign criminals were linked by Sir Keir to Articles 3 and 8 of the ECHR, which prohibit torture and safeguard the right to private and family life, respectively. He also pointed out other international conventions such as the UN’s Refugee Convention, Torture Convention, and Convention on the Rights of the Child as additional factors that could impede deportations. The government had already been exploring ways to refine the interpretation of certain aspects of the ECHR to address immigration challenges, as outlined in the immigration white paper released in May.

The Labour conference, where Sir Keir made these remarks, was primarily characterized by efforts to combat Reform UK’s influence. In his keynote speech, the prime minister portrayed Nigel Farage’s movement as perpetuating the “politics of grievance” while positioning Labour as a guardian of “tolerant, decent” patriotism. Sir Keir grappled with a bold challenge to his leadership from Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham during the conference, with Burnham revealing that Labour MPs had urged him to return to Westminster and assume the role of prime minister. Despite facing internal leadership challenges, Sir Keir emphasized his commitment to effecting positive change in the country

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