Former Prime Minister Boris Johnson has supported calls for a referendum on the UK’s membership in the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR). In an interview with the Daily Telegraph, Johnson said the British public should have a say on whether the country remains part of the ECHR. Critics argue that the court limits the UK’s control over immigration policies.
Johnson, who is promoting his new memoir Unleashed, questioned the need for the ECHR. He suggested that the protections it offers might not be unique. He stated, “I don’t believe the ECHR provides people with protections they wouldn’t otherwise have.” His remarks come as the Conservative Party debates the UK’s future role in the court.
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Growing Conservative Support
The idea of leaving the ECHR is gaining traction within the Conservative Party. Immigration Minister Robert Jenrick has voiced support for an exit, saying it is crucial for the party’s survival. He argued that leaving the court would give the UK more control, especially over immigration.
Jenrick also hinted at a future role for Johnson in his team. He stated earlier this week that he would welcome Johnson in his shadow cabinet.
The Role of the ECHR
The ECHR was established after the Second World War and the Holocaust. Its main goal was to protect citizens from state abuses and prevent future atrocities. The court ensures legal protection for basic human rights, such as the right to a fair trial, freedom of speech, and protection from torture.
The UK played a key role in creating the ECHR. British lawyers helped draft the court’s founding documents, and Prime Minister Winston Churchill was an early supporter. The Convention, which the UK signed in 1950, made many of the rights we take for granted part of the law.
Impact of a Referendum
A referendum could lead to the UK becoming the first country to leave the ECHR. Supporters believe this would restore the UK’s full control over its laws and policies, especially on immigration. However, critics argue that leaving the court could weaken the UK’s human rights protections.
For now, Johnson’s support for a referendum has added more fuel to this ongoing debate. The issue of the UK’s membership in the ECHR is likely to become a major topic within the Conservative Party.
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