Former Prime Minister David Cameron has expressed the view that leaving the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR) is not a necessary measure to address the issue of small boat crossings in the UK. His comments come amidst ongoing debate within the Conservative Party over the UK’s membership in the treaty.
In an interview on ITV’s Peston show, Cameron stated that he does not believe leaving the ECHR is required to make the government’s policy of deporting asylum seekers to Rwanda effective. The Supreme Court had previously ruled against the scheme, citing concerns about the risk of ill treatment faced by migrants sent to Rwanda. Cameron acknowledged the court’s decision but maintained that other international treaties and domestic laws prohibit refoulement, the forced return of asylum seekers to countries where they face persecution.
Cameron also highlighted the importance of a returns agreement with France to disrupt people-smuggling operations. However, he conceded that such an agreement is currently unfeasible due to the current political climate. He pointed out that a direct returns agreement with France, which was in place during his time as Prime Minister, would be the most sensible approach to breaking the model of people smugglers.
The former Prime Minister’s comments come in the wake of Rishi Sunak’s successful passage of legislation through Parliament aimed at preventing further legal challenges to the government’s Rwanda deportation scheme. Despite the legislation’s imminent enactment, ministers anticipate legal challenges. The judiciary has designated 25 courtrooms to handle potential cases.
Cameron emphasized that leaving the ECHR is not a necessary step for the policy’s implementation. He noted that other international treaties and domestic laws, including the Human Rights Act 1998 and the Asylum and Immigration Appeals Act 1993, prohibit refoulement.
Cameron’s remarks underscore the complexity of the issue and highlight the need for a balanced approach that respects human rights while addressing the challenges posed by illegal immigration and people smuggling.
