The United Kingdom has aligned with European Union ministers in a joint commitment to streamline the deportation of foreign nationals, as the continent grapples with rising illegal migration. Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper and other European ministers are set to issue a political declaration on Friday that advocates for a stricter application of human rights law and reaffirms the sovereign right of states to deport individuals.
The declaration, spearheaded by the UK, Denmark, and Italy, will be presented by foreign ministers within the Council of Europe, a body comprising 46 member states. The agreement revises the interpretation of Articles 3 and 8 of the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR). The UK and its allies hope this statement will guide independent courts to ensure that serious criminals cannot evade deportation.
Article 3 of the ECHR prohibits sending individuals to countries where they face torture, inhuman, or degrading treatment. The UK and other nations argue that the current threshold for what constitutes such treatment is excessively high and should be lowered, particularly for deportations to countries with strong democratic and legal traditions. Article 8 guarantees the right to respect for private and family life, and ministers are expected to emphasize that the family rights of serious foreign criminals must be balanced against the public interest in deportation.
Human rights organizations have voiced alarm, warning that the political statement could lead to a gradual erosion of human rights protections. Akiko Hart, director of Liberty, described it as a “hugely significant moment” and expressed deep concern that altering how UK courts apply the ECHR could weaken the legal framework that protects everyone. She stressed that the ECHR serves as a vital safety net and should be strengthened, not undermined, especially amid rising threats to civil liberties across Europe.
Speaking ahead of the meetings in Moldova, Ms. Cooper stated that the UK has been collaborating with European neighbors to enable strong action against illegal migration while respecting international standards. She emphasized the need for a common-sense approach that reflects today's realities to prevent immigration systems from being unfairly exploited to block the lawful return of foreign criminals or those accused of crimes abroad. Attorney General Richard Hermer echoed this sentiment, expressing pride in the UK's role in modernizing the ECHR to protect borders in the national interest, ensuring the Convention endures for another 75 years.
