The Justice Secretary of the UK, Shabana Mahmood, has announced plans to seek reform of the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR) to address concerns about the rule of law. Mahmood emphasized the importance of protecting the convention while restoring public trust in human rights laws.

In her speech at the Council of Europe, Mahmood highlighted the need for changes to ensure that human rights legislation does not favor criminals over law-abiding citizens. She expressed a commitment to preserving the ECHR, stating that it must evolve to meet new challenges.

One of the key issues prompting calls for reform is the use of human rights laws by individuals accused of serious crimes to avoid deportation. Mahmood referenced cases where criminals have exploited articles of the ECHR to remain in the UK, raising concerns about the integrity of the legal system.

The UK government is considering potential reforms to provide clearer guidance to courts on interpreting human rights laws. There have been calls from some MPs to legislate on how these rights should be applied, amid growing populist sentiments against the ECHR.

Mahmood emphasized the importance of maintaining public trust in human rights and the rule of law, calling on member states to work together to address these challenges. She stressed that while the UK remains committed to the principles of the convention, there is a need for updates to strengthen these rights.

She highlighted the role of politicians in responding to concerns about the misuse of human rights laws and the need to ensure that these laws align with common sense and fairness. Mahmood emphasized the importance of a shared political effort among member states to renew the moral and democratic foundation of the ECHR.

Overall, the UK government's push for reform reflects a broader effort to address public skepticism about the application of human rights laws and to uphold the principles of democracy and justice.