A REVIEW of loopholes in the European Convention on Human Rights could make it harder for foreign crooks and failed asylum seekers to stay.
The Home Office is looking into how judges use Article 8 of the European Convention on Human Rights – the “right to a family life” – to block deportations.
A review of loopholes in the European Convention on Human Rights could make it harder for foreign crooks and failed asylum seekers to dodge deportation[/caption]
The move marks a shift for Sir Keir Starmer, a lifelong defender of the ECHR, who has repeatedly backed the court’s role in UK law[/caption]
A Whitehall insider said: “We basically want to make sure it can’t be exploited after a small amount of cases where Article 8 has been interpreted pretty broadly.”
One case saw a foreign criminal avoid removal even though their spouse was dead.
Another let a Palestinian family stay under a visa scheme meant for Ukrainians.
The Sun understands officials are now looking at whether UK courts are too soft and if Britain should follow other countries in closing loopholes.
They are weighing up new guidance or even changing the law to speed up deportations and curb asylum claims.
Downing Street yesterday insisted the PM has been clear “it should be Parliament that makes the rules” and it should be “Government who makes the policy”.
The Prime Minister’s spokesman added: “The Home Secretary is continuing to review the application of Article 8 within the immigration system, and will set out further details in due course.”
The move marks a stunning shift for Sir Keir Starmer, a lifelong defender of the ECHR, who has repeatedly backed the court’s role in UK law.
Tory chief Kemi Badenoch last week said migrants should be banned from using human rights laws to fight deportation in the British courts.
