Nigel Farage has dramatically declared that Reform UK will 'wage war' on the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR), positioning the party to make leaving the convention a central pillar of its election campaign. This aggressive stance sets the stage for a major constitutional clash in British politics.
The commitment was solidified after a meeting between Farage and the party's sole MP, the former Conservative Lord Richard Hemmer. The peer confirmed that quitting the ECHR is now official party policy, a move that aligns with the party's hardline approach to immigration and national sovereignty.
A Red Line for Reform UK
Farage's announcement signals a significant escalation in the debate over the UK's relationship with international human rights frameworks. He framed the issue as a fundamental question of British self-determination, arguing that the Strasbourg-based court undermines the UK's ability to control its own borders and laws.
This policy directly challenges the stance of the current Conservative government, which has thus far stopped short of committing to a full withdrawal, despite internal party pressure.
The Immigration Battleground
The push to leave the ECHR is intrinsically linked to the contentious issue of immigration. Reform UK argues that leaving the convention is essential to implement robust border controls and efficiently process asylum claims without what it perceives as interference from European judges.
This position is expected to become a key differentiator in the upcoming general election, with Reform UK aiming to attract voters who believe the Conservatives have not been sufficiently tough on immigration and human rights law.
By making this pledge, Nigel Farage and Reform UK are not just entering a policy debate; they are igniting a fierce political battle over the future of Britain's legal sovereignty and its place in the post-Brexit world.
