UK (Parliament Politics Magazine) – Sir James Cleverly clashes with Kemi Badenoch over ECHR, saying leaving won’t fix deportation issues and warning of UK courts rewriting policy.
As reported by The Telegraph, Sir James Cleverly opposed Kemi Badenoch’s stance and dismissed leaving the European Convention on Human Rights as a solution.
What did James Cleverly say about leaving the ECHR?
James Cleverly said ECHR signatory countries deport criminals more efficiently than Britain. He said he was not convinced that leaving the ECHR is a solution, citing political activism in the UK legal system.
His remarks came after Tory leader Kemi Badenoch launched a review into ECHR membership, saying it may be needed.
Mr Cleverly warned Conservatives not to chase Reform with empty, grand promises.
Addressing an Institute for Public Policy Research event on Tuesday, Mr Cleverly stated, “The bottom line is, other signatories to the ECHR are kicking out foreign criminals much more than we are, and other countries that are not signatories to the ECHR are also struggling.”
He said, “I’m not convinced the ECHR is, on its own, a silver bullet.”
Referring to Lord Wolfson’s review, he said he would wait to see the findings, adding, “One of the points I would make, however, is that when I was home secretary, I noticed that we had one of the lowest deportation rates amongst our European neighbours.”
The MP for Braintree stated, “One of the points I would make, however, is that when I was home secretary, I noticed that we had one of the lowest deportation rates amongst our European neighbours.”
He added, “Unfortunately, the general election came along before I got a credible answer.”
Mr Cleverly raised concerns that political activism in Britain could hinder efforts to deport criminals.
He cautioned that activism was “trying to rewrite British border and immigration policy through case law rather than through parliamentary law”.
Mr Cleverley’s remarks came after media reports exposed migrants avoiding removal through human rights laws.
As poll ratings dropped, he warned his party against mirroring Reform’s approach to gain support.
The ex-minister stated, “Easy fixes for difficult problems don’t exist, because if they did, the problems wouldn’t be difficult, would they?”
He added, “It’s tempting, dangerously tempting, to try and outbid populists with even bolder promises, but voters are very weary of bold words without competent action and failing to deliver our promises is what got us kicked out of government, and I don’t think we should make the same mistake again.”
Kemi Badenoch’s views on leaving the ECHR
Kemi Badenoch said the ECHR is now used to attack democratic decisions and common sense.
She signalled a tougher stance, saying Britain may ultimately have to leave the ECHR.
Key facts about ECHR
- It sets out rights such as the right to life, freedom of speech, freedom from torture, and a fair trial.
- Nations that sign it agree to uphold these rights in their courts.
- Britain has been a member since 1951.
Illegal migrants in the UK
- Arrivals: 44,125 irregular arrivals by March 2025, mostly by small boats.
- Asylum: 94% claimed asylum; 56,605 accepted, 30,041 refused.
- Returns: 29,867 returns; 7,893 forced removals; illegal work arrests up 38%.
- Backlog: 79,000 cases pending; 32,345 housed in hotels costing £8m daily.