Former Prime Minister Boris Johnson has sensationally called for a referendum on the UK’s membership of the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR), saying there is now a “strong case” for the British public to decide whether to remain or leave the controversial agreement.
In an interview with The Telegraph, the former PM made a scathing attack on the ECHR, arguing that it’s preventing Britain from taking back control of its borders, particularly when it comes to deporting illegal migrants.
The ECHR has become one of the most divisive issues in the Conservative leadership race, with critics accusing it of hampering the UK’s ability to enact tough immigration policies. Boris didn’t hold back, saying the convention has become “much more legally adventurous” and is “trying to second guess what national courts should do.”
This intervention is likely to fuel demands for the UK to finally break away from European legal entanglements, as Boris made it clear he believes the ECHR offers little protection that domestic laws couldn’t provide. “There’s a strong case for a proper referendum, a proper discussion about it because I’m not certain that it actually provides people with protections that they wouldn’t otherwise have,” he said.
His comments come as the debate over Britain’s now scrapped Rwanda deportation scheme rages on. Attempts to deport migrants to the African nation were blocked by the European Court of Human Rights, sparking fury among Tory MPs and grassroots voters. Boris hinted heavily as Prime Minister that Britain could exit the convention, and now, he’s saying reform is a pipe dream. It’s either leave or remain — sound familiar?
Boris Johnson’s views echo those of Lord Sumption, a former Supreme Court judge, who argued that human rights are already well safeguarded under UK law, and that the ECHR has forced Britain to accept rights “for which there is no democratic mandate.” And it’s personal for Boris, too. His own maternal grandfather, Sir James Fawcett, was once president of the European Commission for Human Rights, though Johnson says the situation has drastically changed since his relative’s tenure.
The ECHR was responsible for thwarting Britain’s Rwanda migrant deportation plan earlier this year, a key policy of the Conservative government that would have seen asylum seekers sent to Rwanda in an attempt to curb illegal immigration. Boris made it clear during his premiership that membership of the ECHR could be reconsidered, and his latest comments come at a time when immigration is once again at the top of the political agenda.
The issue has become a major flashpoint in the Conservative leadership contest. Robert Jenrick has pledged to take Britain out of the ECHR, while the other candidates have so far refused to commit to such a move.
In a wide-ranging interview with the Telegraph, Boris also waded into international politics, claiming that Vladimir Putin would never have invaded Ukraine if Donald Trump had still been in the White House. “Putin would have been put off by Trump’s sheer unpredictability,” Johnson said, adding that the world is a “better place” when America has strong leadership.
And in a tantalising hint about his political future, Johnson refused to rule out a return to frontline politics, saying “hasta la vista” as he promoted his new memoir, Unleashed. Could we see Boris back in Parliament — or even at No. 10?
With his comments set to ignite fresh debate within the Tory Party and across the country, the former Prime Minister’s intervention has brought the ECHR debate right to the doorstep of Britain’s political future. The question now is: will the UK hold a referendum on its future with the ECHR? One thing’s for certain — Boris thinks it’s time for the people to decide.
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It is time to pull out of the European Convention of Human Rights. The European Courts should have no jurisdiction over the UK. Please sign the petition.Main Photo: Boris Johnson signing the official Withdrawal Agreement with the European Union, inside No10 Downing Street whilst he was PM. Picture by Andrew Parsons / No10 Downing Street. CC BY 2.0
Marc has a high I.Q and he said ” I’d love to say to vote remain, but I can’t ” . I think its the same with ECHR . Human rights are a very good thing but the ECHR is just one corridor down from the EU. I believe the judges are corrupted by the EU influence. My verdict is yes leave
Time to leave the UN as well and disavow the UN declaration of human rights as well as to stop funding of international cultural Marxism. We are English — we do not need no human rights trreaties, we have a sovereign King and the Magna Carta.
If England leaves the ECHR we all will be a better Country to live in, & would save the taxpayers a lot of money. What aldacity has our British Government the right to accept them over here without proper documentation, it’s bloody disgusting..!!!