Scottish Labour members have expressed discontent over the party's stance on the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR), following comments from Labour suggesting that leaving the ECHR would jeopardise peace in Northern Ireland. The party dismissed a speech by Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch, who proposed a review into leaving the convention, as an attempt to appease Robert Jenrick and Reform UK.
Labour's position is that the ECHR underpins the Good Friday Agreement, which is crucial for stability in Northern Ireland. A Labour spokesperson said: 'Compliance with international law has helped us strike deals with France and Germany to crack down on criminal smuggling gangs, and underscores the Good Friday agreement, which secures peace in Northern Ireland.'
The revolt within Scottish Labour comes after the party's surprise by-election win in Hamilton, Larkhall and Stonehouse, where candidate Davy Russell defeated the SNP. Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar hailed the result as proof that 'the SNP’s balloon has burst'. However, some members are unhappy with the party's firm defence of the ECHR, which they see as limiting the UK's ability to control borders.
Downing Street has welcomed discussions on reforming the ECHR, with a spokesperson stating: 'It’s important there is discussion on how the ECHR operates to ensure it can safeguard human rights while meeting the needs of democracies.' The Refugee Council also condemned the Conservative proposal, warning that leaving the ECHR would undermine the UK's tradition of protecting refugees.
