UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has made a firm commitment to never withdraw from the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR) despite mounting challenges surrounding illegal migration. Speaking at the European Political Community summit at Blenheim Palace, Starmer outlined his government’s strategy for addressing illegal migration, emphasizing a cooperative approach with European nations and adherence to international law.
In his address, Starmer emphasized that his government would prioritize practical, effective solutions to the migration issue, rejecting “gimmicks” in favor of more sustainable, humane measures. In a direct criticism of the controversial Rwanda asylum plan spearheaded by his predecessor, former Prime Minister Boris Johnson, Starmer reaffirmed that his administration had immediately scrapped the policy upon taking office.
“We are resetting our approach,” Starmer stated during the summit’s opening plenary. “This Government will not commit taxpayer money to gimmicks. We are here to serve our country in the national interest in pursuit of solutions that will actually deliver results.”
Highlighting his commitment to international law, the Prime Minister also reiterated his stance on the ECHR, which has been a point of contention in recent years regarding the UK’s asylum policies. “We will never withdraw from the European Convention on Human Rights,” Starmer declared, signaling his resolve to uphold both humanitarian values and legal obligations.
The summit, attended by key European leaders including French President Emmanuel Macron, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, and Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, underscored the urgency of collaborative action across Europe to address the ongoing migration crisis.
Starmer’s remarks reinforce his administration’s focus on finding balanced solutions that respect both national security and the rights of migrants, while strengthening cooperation with European partners to address migration challenges on a broader scale.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer Picture by Simon Dawson on Wikipedia
