UK Could Leave ECHR Over Rwanda Plan, Warns Sunak

Controlling immigration is more important than “membership of a foreign court”, the prime minister has said in his strongest hint yet that he could back leaving the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR).

- CHRISTOPHER MCKEON

In an interview yesterday, Rishi Sunak defended his approach to tackling small boats crossing the Channel, but indicated he would be willing to leave the ECHR if it blocked his Rwanda policy.

The PM told The Sun's Never Mind The Ballots programme: "I believe that all plans are compliant with all of our international obligations including the ECHR, but I do believe that border security and making sure that we can control illegal migration is more important than membership of a foreign court because it's fundamental to our sovereignty as a country."

Right-wing Conservative MPs, including former home secretary Suella Braverman, have previously pushed for the UK to leave the ECHR, fearing its provisions could prevent asylum seekers being deported to Rwanda.