UK Rights Chief Warns Against 'Demonisation of Migrants' and ECHR Withdrawal

Rights Chief Highlights Risks of Migration Rhetoric

Mary-Ann Stephenson, the newly appointed Chair of the Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC), has issued a stark warning regarding the potential consequences of inflammatory language surrounding migration and the prospect of the United Kingdom withdrawing from the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR). Her remarks, made in December 2025, underscore concerns that such developments could significantly exacerbate racial tensions across the UK.

Stephenson emphasized that the 'demonisation of migrants' and the creation of an idea that migration poses 'huge risks for the country' can make life 'very, very difficult' not only for migrants but also for ethnic minority UK citizens.

The European Convention on Human Rights: A 'Mistake' to Leave

The EHRC Chair firmly stated that leaving the ECHR would be a 'mistake,' arguing that it would weaken the rights that 'all of us depend on'. The ECHR, an international treaty signed by the UK in 1950, is incorporated into UK law through the Human Rights Act 1998. It provides fundamental protections, including:

• The right to life
• The right to a fair trial
• Freedom of expression
• The right to private and family life
• Prohibition of torture and inhuman or degrading treatment

Stephenson highlighted that opposition to the UK's membership in the ECHR is often based on 'misleading' retellings of court cases. Withdrawal would mean individuals in the UK would lose the ability to appeal to the European Court of Human Rights (ECtHR) and would reduce international scrutiny of the UK's human rights record.

Political Landscape and Migration Debate

The debate around the UK's ECHR membership has intensified, particularly concerning immigration cases. Both the Conservative Party and Reform UK have indicated their intention to withdraw from the convention if in power. While the current Labour government has stated it will not leave the ECHR, it is reviewing human rights law to streamline deportations, with a focus on potential changes to Articles 3 and 8 of the Convention.

Critics argue that government rhetoric on migration has contributed to a rise in anti-immigrant sentiment and has been accused of 'feeding' the far-right. Public concern over immigration remains high, with a YouGov poll indicating that 51% of Britons consider it one of the country's most important issues. The asylum system currently incurs significant costs for taxpayers, exceeding £5 billion annually.

Implications for UK Society

Stephenson's warning underscores the belief that a hostile environment created by rhetoric and policy changes could have far-reaching implications for social cohesion and the protection of rights for all citizens. Beyond domestic concerns, leaving the ECHR could also have significant international repercussions, potentially impacting the Belfast/Good Friday Agreement and the UK-EU Trade and Cooperation Agreement.