Immigration Minister Robert Jenrick has launched a scathing attack on former Prime Minister Tony Blair, accusing him of undermining the UK's sovereignty with his recent comments on the Strasbourg court. The fiery exchange took place during a Commons debate, where Jenrick dismissed Blair's remarks as "irresponsible" and "out of touch."
Jenrick's criticism came after Blair suggested in a BBC interview that the UK should remain aligned with the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) in Strasbourg. The former Labour leader argued that distancing the country from the court could harm its international reputation and weaken human rights protections.
"Tony Blair's comments are a stark reminder of why the British public lost faith in the political elite," Jenrick told MPs. "His willingness to prioritise foreign courts over British democracy is precisely the kind of thinking that led to Brexit."
The Immigration Minister emphasised the government's commitment to reforming the UK's relationship with the ECHR, particularly in cases involving the deportation of foreign criminals. He argued that the current system often prevents the government from taking decisive action on immigration.
Jenrick's remarks have reignited the debate over the UK's post-Brexit legal framework, with some Tory MPs calling for a complete break from the Strasbourg court. However, opposition MPs warned that such a move could isolate Britain and damage its standing on the global stage.
The clash highlights the ongoing tensions within Westminster over how to balance national sovereignty with international obligations. As the government prepares to unveil its latest immigration reforms, the debate over the ECHR's role is likely to intensify.
