European states, including the United Kingdom, have agreed to negotiate a new approach to the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR) to make it easier to deport illegal migrants.
The decision follows a meeting of justice ministers in Strasbourg, where several countries called for modernising the treaty to address current migration challenges. The 46 nations party to the ECHR will now work toward adopting a “political declaration” at a summit scheduled for next May.
The move comes amid political pressure inside the Westminster parliament from the Conservatives and Reform UK, who have repeatedly called for stronger measures on illegal migration by advocating for Britain’s withdrawal from the treaty.
In contrast, the present Labour government under Keir Starmer has rejected a full withdrawal, proposing instead limited reforms in how the ECHR is applied in British courts. Starmer insisted that swift action is required, arguing that urgent changes are needed to defeat “the forces of hate and division” across Europe. Cynics might say that these words emphasise saving his electoral skin, and not the potential strengthening of border control.
Labour has already announced plans aimed at limiting asylum claims by revoking the “right to family life” clause in the ECHR to prevent deportations. (To date Labour’s approach has failed, with the small boat crisis reaching grim new milestones, with more than 35,000 migrants known to have crossed the English Channel illegally in 2025 under Starmer’s government.)
During the Strasbourg meeting, ministers discussed Article 8, which safeguards family life, and Article 3, which prohibits inhumane treatment. Talks also focused on combating migrant smuggling and establishing human-rights-compliant “returns hubs” outside Europe for migrants who cannot safely be returned to their home countries.
Gormless Justice Secretary David Lammy emphasised that the definition of family life should not be “stretched to prevent the removal of people with no right to remain in the country.”
The situation is particularly alarming in the UK, where more than 53,000 illegal migrants are reportedly at large. Government sources have admitted that they cannot account for the whereabouts of these individuals, exposing the failure of the current system.
Reform UK and the Conservatives both argue that without leaving the ECHR, Labour’s promises will ultimately fail.
