British Home Secretary Suella Braverman has commented on the European Court of Human Rights in Strasbourg. She believes that it is often politicised and in opposition to British values. Ms. Braverman has recently proposed the Illegal Migration Bill, which aims to end the crossing of the English Channel by small boats. The law would obligate the government to detain and remove illegal immigrants, either to Rwanda or another “safe” third country. Individuals could challenge their detention and removal from the United Kingdom by bringing their case before the European Court of Human Rights, but Ms. Braverman considers the court to be politicised and interventionist.
The passage of the Illegal Migration Bill is one of the prime minister’s top five priorities. However, it is likely to face political and legal obstacles. Yvette Cooper of the Labour Party has stated that the government’s plans will exacerbate the problems and increase the chaos, putting more lives at risk. The United Nations Refugee Agency has also expressed concern regarding the proposed legislation. Mr. Sunak insists that the measures are “tough, but fair and necessary.”
After the bill was published, Ms. Braverman notified Conservative MPs in writing that there was a “greater than 50% chance” the legislation was incompatible with the European Court of Human Rights. She emphasises, however, that the new Illegal Migrants Bill will not lead to the United Kingdom’s withdrawal from the European Convention on Human Rights – the set of rules interpreted by the court.
The debate surrounding the Illegal Migration Bill has been acrimonious, with numerous opponents of its proposed measures. Ms. Braverman is among those who have raised concerns about the compatibility of the European Court of Human Rights in Strasbourg with British values. It remains to be seen whether Prime Minister Rishi Sunak will be able to pass his “tough, but necessary and fair” legislation.
