European Convention on Human Rights: UK Obligations
Wednesday, 14 October 2026
Contributions
Susan Murray (Mid Dunbartonshire) (LD)Liberal Democrat
7. What steps she is taking to ensure the UK meets its legal obligations under the European convention on human rights.
The Attorney General (Ellie Reeves)Labour
The Government are clear that it is firmly in the UK’s interests to remain a member of the European convention on human rights. The ECHR has allowed people to object when “do not resuscitate” orders are put on their beds without their consent, and it is the reason why victims of rapists such as John Warboys have been able to force the police to investigate rather than being turned away. That is why I will continue to defend the ECHR, and why the UK played a leading role in the Chiinău declaration, working to modernise the ECHR with our European partners.
The Conservatives and Reform want to leave the ECHR—a convention Winston Churchill championed—putting us alongside Russia and Belarus. Does the Attorney General agree that that is no place for a country that helped to write it?
Our commitment to the ECHR is clear. It plays an important role in all aspects of our life, including in the Good Friday agreement, for example, which would unravel without it. It is important that we ensure that we modernise where necessary, but our commitment is steadfast.
Source: UK Parliament Hansard API. Debate ID: 5416639.