Labour MP Urges Starmer to Ditch ECHR Rules Blocking Foreign Criminal Deportations
Labour backbenchers are turning up the heat on Starmer to reform human rights laws that keep foreign criminals in Britain. Jonathan Brash, a Labour MP, has gone public with his frustration over judges blocking deportations by misusing Article 8 of the European Convention on Human Rights – the “right to family life” clause that’s become a get-out-of-jail-free card for offenders.
Brash didn’t mince words on GB News: “If you’re a criminal harming British people and you’re here illegally, you should be deported. Full stop.” His blunt message reflects growing anger in Labour’s heartlands where voters watch dangerous offenders dodge removal on technicalities. The Home Office review ordered by Yvette Cooper can’t come soon enough for these MPs.
What’s really striking is how this pressure’s coming from Labour’s own ranks. Former Home Secretary Jack Straw’s already questioned whether Britain still needs the ECHR. Now backbench MPs are demanding Starmer give teeth to deportation powers before the next election. With the Rwanda scheme scrapped and Channel crossings still high, the government’s running out of excuses. Either they fix this broken system or voters will find someone who will.
