Blunkett Urges Starmer to Consider ECHR Suspension to Address Migration

Lord Blunkett, a former Labour education secretary, has called on Sir Keir Starmer to address migration levels by considering the temporary suspension of specific aspects of the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR). He believes this action could facilitate the deportation of numerous asylum seekers currently residing in hotels. Blunkett cited Germany as a precedent for this approach, suggesting it could be a necessary measure to regain control of the situation.

Blunkett explained that this temporary suspension would involve modifying the appeals process. He noted that many individuals are stuck in accommodation due to repeated appeals after their initial asylum claims were rejected. He proposed that a temporary suspension, potentially lasting six months, could prevent abuse of the appeals process and accelerate the return of individuals to their countries of origin.

The current situation involves over 32,000 asylum seekers housed in approximately 200 hotels. The number of migrants appealing their rejected asylum claims has doubled in the past year, exceeding 50,000. A frequent basis for these appeals is the alleged violation of ECHR rights, specifically Articles three and eight, which address protection against persecution and the right to family life.

In response to the ongoing challenges, Home Secretary Yvette Cooper has proposed measures to limit the application of Articles three and eight by judges, thereby restricting their ability to overturn deportation decisions. Meanwhile, Kemi Badenoch has initiated a review into the possibility of the UK withdrawing from the ECHR entirely, with potential plans to be unveiled at the upcoming Tory party conference.

Furthermore, Lord Blunkett suggested that the UK should encourage France to implement a licensing scheme for boat ownership and transportation. This would enable law enforcement to seize dinghies and prevent their use in facilitating migrant crossings of the Channel. The number of migrants crossing the Channel this year has reached nearly 28,000, the highest figure recorded at this point in the year since 2018.