Cleverly hints Britain won’t quit ECHR...but it must be reformed
JAMES Cleverly has warned world leaders that treaties governing migration are not working “as effectively as we wish”. Some Conservatives want the Government to leave the UN Refugee Convention and the European Convention on Human Rights to strengthen tackling illegal migration.
But Mr Cleverly said the UK “cherishes” the agreements “as mighty accomplishments”. However, he said that institutions must be reformed to avoid them suffering from “atrophy”. He added: “People sometimes think all these institutions have been preserved in aspic since they were created. That is simply not true.
“For example, the 1951 UN Convention on Refugees was revised through a new protocol in 1967, expanding the protections beyond Europe to all people fleeing conflict and persecution.
“We need to make sure that the treaties, conventions, and international agreements that govern immigration policy are up to date.
“That they continue to support those who need support but are strong enough to resist abuse.”
Speaking in New York yesterday, the Home Secretary said Western powers must help would-be migrants to “stay and thrive at home” to stem the migration crisis. He said there could be “large-scale” migration to Europe from Africa, the Indian subcontinent and South-East Asia as they become richer.
Goodwill
Mr Cleverly argued that Western powers should support those regions in ensuring they are “safe and prosperous” to stop a talent drain.
He also warned that goodwill towards migrants was “not a bottomless font”.
At the Carnegie Council for Ethics on International Affairs, Mr Cleverly warned the far-Right gets elected when mainstream politicians “hide from” problems associated with immigration.