Summary
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer is leading calls to update the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR) to address challenges with irregular migration. European leaders met to discuss modifying the treaty to ease deportation of undocumented migrants. Experts warn that these changes might put vulnerable people at risk.
Key Facts
- Prime Minister Keir Starmer wants European leaders to update the ECHR because of challenges posed by irregular migration.
- European justice ministers agreed to begin this process at a meeting in Strasbourg.
- The UK has become a prominent advocate for changing the ECHR.
- Proposed changes focus on Article 3, concerning protection against torture, and Article 8, concerning family life.
- The UK is facing issues with migrants arriving on small boats across the English Channel.
- A "one in one out" arrangement exists between the UK and France concerning migrant return and acceptance.
- The UK is considering changes to immigration rules and wants to limit refugee family reunions and adjust temporary stay policies.
- Proposed UK changes would end the automatic path to settled status for refugees after five years and remove state benefits for those eligible to work.
