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Council of Europe and the European Convention on Human Rights
05 November 2025
Lead MP
Cat Eccles
Stourbridge
Lab
Responding Minister
Stephen Doughty
Tags
Northern Ireland
Word Count: 9573
Other Contributors: 16
At a Glance
Cat Eccles raised concerns about council of europe and the european convention on human rights in Westminster Hall. A government minister responded.
Key Requests to Government:
The hon. Member asks for full control of borders and immigration policies while maintaining respect for human rights under the ECHR.
How the Debate Unfolded
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said:
Lead Contributor
Yesterday marked 75 years since the United Kingdom ratified the European convention on human rights. The UK delegation in Strasbourg is incredibly active, highlighting issues such as migration policies and youth democracy.
Andrew Rosindell
Con
Romford
Called for withdrawal from the European convention on human rights, arguing that Britain's commitment to human liberty predates the ECHR.
Andy Slaughter
Lab
Hammersmith and Chiswick
We are celebrating the 25th anniversary of the Human Rights Act 1998, which allows individuals to enforce their rights against the state in this country.
Al Pinkerton
LD
Surrey Heath
Highlighted the importance of the Council of Europe and its achievements in human rights protection.
Surrey Heath
Spoke about the wider work of the Council of Europe and ECHR in tackling terrorism, cyber-crime, corruption, child exploitation, and trafficking.
James Naish
Lab
Rushcliffe
Emphasised the need to highlight the benefits of the ECHR rather than tearing it down.
Jim Shannon
DUP
Strangford
Our party opposes the European convention on human rights, primarily due to concerns about national sovereignty and control over borders and immigration policies.
Amber Valley
Supports the lead MP's stance, citing examples where the ECHR provided protections against Government overreach. Emphasised the importance of the ECHR for international law enforcement co-operation and extradition cases.
Stella Creasy
Lab/Co-op
Walthamstow
Argued that the ECHR is crucial for protecting people from government actions and providing justice, using Oxford University data on deportations.
Paul Kohler
LD
Wimbledon
Expresses concern about flirtation with withdrawal from the Council of Europe and warns of disregard for facts as seen in Brexit debates.
Perran Moon
Con
Camborne and Redruth
Discussed the impact on national minorities, highlighting protections for Cornish and Welsh people.
Pete Wishart
SNP
Perth and Kinross-shire
The hon. Member for Clacton wants to remove basic rights in order to leave the disadvantaged unprotected and authoritarian tendencies unchallenged. The ECHR enshrines our freedoms of speech, assembly, worship, protest and private lives free from interference.
Peter Prinsley
Lab
Bury St Edmunds and Stowmarket
Asked to give way but was denied by Andrew Rosindell due to time constraints.
Rachael Maskell
Ind
York Central
Warned the Government not to undermine human rights frameworks that have served well for 75 years.
Rupert Lowe
Ind
Great Yarmouth
Critiqued the convention for allowing convicted offenders and criminals to remain in Britain, arguing that it prioritises foreign rights over British citizens' safety.
Steve Yemm
Lab
Mansfield
Reaffirms strong support for the UK's commitment to the European convention on human rights but calls for reform in interpretation of articles 3 and 8 to prevent foreign nationals with serious criminal convictions from remaining in the country.
Tony Vaughan
Lab
Folkestone and Hythe
The ECHR has protected children, workers' rights to express faith, and mental health patients. It is crucial for managing borders and maintaining international cooperation.
Government Response
Stephen Doughty
The Minister of State, Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office
Government Response
Defended the ECHR as a British project and challenged those calling for withdrawal from it, noting their alignment with Russia and Belarus. Discussed the historical significance and benefits of the ECHR, including legal reforms in schools, homosexuality rights in Northern Ireland, and support for families affected by the Hillsborough disaster. Emphasised the evolving nature of the convention to meet modern challenges while reaffirming commitment not to leave the ECHR.
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Assessment & feedback
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About Westminster Hall Debates
Westminster Hall debates are a chance for MPs to raise important issues affecting their constituents and get a response from a government minister. Unlike Prime Minister's Questions, these debates are more in-depth and collaborative. The MP who secured the debate speaks first, other MPs can contribute, and a minister responds with the government's position.