Time to reclaim control
Jack Straw’s call to “decouple” Britain from the European Convention on Human Rights is not the ranting of a fringe populist – it’s the sober assessment of the very man who helped draft the Human Rights Act. And he is right.
For too long, the convention has been misinterpreted in ways its drafters never intended. What was conceived in the rubble of the Second World War as a bulwark against tyranny is now being wielded as a procedural shield, blocking deportations of illegal migrants and frustrating the will of parliament.
Misuse and mistrust
Straw’s point is clear: Britain’s obligation to “take account” of Strasbourg judgments has morphed into “blindly follow”. That was never the deal. Instead, it has created a perception that the UK no longer controls its own borders – a perception ruthlessly exploited by Nigel Farage and Reform UK.
Polling shows immigration now tops the list of public concerns. The government’s promises to “smash the gangs” have not stemmed the tide of small boats. Voters see paralysis, not power. Unless Labour acts decisively, the narrative will be stolen by those who thrive on rage rather than reform.
Decoupling, not ditching
Straw is not arguing for a reckless withdrawal. That would take years and hand easy victories to those who dream of Britain joining the company of Russia and Belarus. Instead, he offers a practical amendment: British courts should no longer be bound to defer to Strasbourg in areas where national interest is at stake.
This is not anti-human rights. It is pro-democracy. It is restoring sovereignty to elected representatives rather than unelected judges abroad.
Political courage needed
Starmer faces a test of nerve. His natural instinct is cautious pragmatism, but caution will not cut through the roar of public anger. Straw has given him political cover to act boldly. Blunkett has already joined the chorus. The longer Labour delays, the more the issue becomes Farage’s playground.
Britain does not need to torch the convention. But it must rewrite the terms of engagement. Jack Straw is right: decoupling is the only way to show that Britain governs itself – on migration, on borders, and on the law of the land.
