Keir Starmer Warns Against Withdrawal from Human Rights Treaty

Sir Keir Starmer, the leader of the UK Labour Party, has strongly condemned any potential withdrawal from the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR), calling it a “profound mistake.” His comments came during a session of Prime Minister’s Questions on October 25, 2023, where he reaffirmed the importance of the convention amidst ongoing discussions about its interpretation.

The Prime Minister has ruled out the option of leaving the ECHR but expressed that the Government intends to review certain provisions, specifically regarding Article 8, which protects the right to private and family life. This review is particularly relevant to immigration cases within the UK, where ministers plan to restrict the use of this article.

Political Responses and Implications

Sir Ed Davey, leader of the Liberal Democrats, questioned the Prime Minister’s commitment to the ECHR, highlighting concerns over statements made by the Conservative Party regarding potential withdrawal. He stated, “The leader of the Conservative Party and the leader of Reform want to join Russia and Vladimir Putin by withdrawing from the convention.” In response, Starmer firmly stated, “We will not withdraw from the European Convention on Human Rights.”

Starmer emphasized the risks associated with abandoning such international agreements, noting that other countries could follow suit, leading to a “catastrophic” situation for the UK. “The first thing that would follow is every other country in the world that adheres to these instruments would pull out of all their agreements with this country,” he warned.

Echoing Starmer’s sentiments, Justice Secretary Shabana Mahmood remarked that withdrawing from the ECHR would align the UK with only two other countries—Russia and Belarus. During her testimony to the Lords Constitution Committee, she affirmed, “The position of our Government is the direct opposite of that.”

Government’s Stance on Human Rights

Mahmood stated that the Government remains committed to the principles of the ECHR, asserting that a rational debate about its role and interpretation is necessary. “If people who support this instrument and want it to work can’t have this debate in a sensible way, then, honestly, there’s no hope really at all, for anybody,” she said.

She acknowledged that the UK’s interpretation of its international obligations might be viewed as maximalist by European colleagues. “I think it’s perfectly fine for us to question whether we have drawn the line in the right place,” she noted, suggesting that new guidance or legislation could be introduced to refine the application of Article 8.

Plans regarding Article 8 will be further detailed in the autumn, with the Home Office aiming to reduce the number of individuals claiming “exceptional circumstances” under this provision to remain in the UK. These proposals were initially unveiled in an immigration White Paper released in May 2023.

As the debate continues, the implications of these discussions for the future of human rights in the UK remain significant. The Government’s approach towards the ECHR could impact the country’s international standing and its relationships with other nations adhering to similar human rights frameworks.