DEFEND THE ECHR

WHAT IS THE ECHR?

The ECHR is the European Convention on Human Rights. It is an international treaty that was created in the aftermath of the Second World War to ensure the horrors that were committed could never happen again. The United Kingdom played an important role in the birth of the ECHR, with Winston Churchill an early advocate.

Since then, it’s quietly underpinned our lives for over 70 years. It protects our freedom to speak out, to protest, to love who we choose, to live in peace, and to seek justice when governments get things wrong.

It forces public authorities – like the Government, local councils and police – to respect our rights. And it empowers us to seek justice when they don’t.

Read more here: What is the ECHR and why does it matter? 

WHAT’S HAPPENING?

The Convention protects and empowers us all every day without us even knowing.

This is something that should be celebrated. But instead, on Human Rights Day 2025, 27 Council of Europe states (including the UK) met in Strasbourg to explore “limits” to how the ECHR protects people.

They agreed that Article 3 (protection from torture) and Article 8 (the right to private and family life) should be “adjusted”. Particularly in cases that involve foreign nationals.

These proposed changes would make it easier for governments to deport people, even when there are serious concerns about their safety or family life. Currently, courts can prevent removals on human rights grounds, but this could soon change.

On 14-15 May 2026, all 46 Council of Europe members are expected to come together and sign a political declaration. This could change how the ECHR is used by both domestic courts and the European Court of Human Rights.

These reforms have previously been defended in the name of the public interest, yet the Government has not been honest about what people stand to lose.

WHY SHOULD WE BE CONCERNED?

The European Convention on Human Rights makes our society a safer, kinder, more caring place.

When a loved one is treated with dignity and compassion in their care home, it’s because of the ECHR. When a victim of abuse can seek safety and justice, it’s because of the ECHR. When LGBTQ+ rights are upheld alongside religious rights, and freedom of expression balanced with protection from hatred, it’s because of the ECHR.

It acts as vital safety net. Undermining it jeopardises the legal framework that protects every one of us.

Current reforms may be focused on migration, but we’ve seen what happens when governments chip away at our rights. In recent years, successive governments have introduced laws restricting the right to strike and expanding powers that criminalise peaceful protest.

Weakening human rights protections will only make this worse. It risks opening the door to a slow erosion of the fundamental freedoms we rely on for ourselves, our families and our wider communities.

WHAT ARE WE CALLING FOR?

The ECHR is a safety net that protects us all – no matter who we are or who is in power.

We’re calling on the Government to oppose changes that weaken our human rights protections and open the door to a slow erosion of the fundamental freedoms we all rely on.