The Conservative Party has said it would withdraw from the European Convention on Human Rights if it wins the next general election, ahead of its conference in Manchester. The party argues that lawfare, including lawyers using the ECHR to block deportations, has hampered Britain’s ability to control its borders. A review led by shadow attorney general Baron Wolfson of Tredegar found the ECHR limits the government’s scope to address immigration and other policy areas. The nearly 200-page document also suggested that ECHR membership could constrain climate policy changes, expose veterans to litigation for past actions, and affect how housing and public services are prioritised for British citizens. The party added that charity begins at home and those who have paid in should come first.

Lord Wolfson wrote to party leader Kemi Badenoch that withdrawal would be legally and practically feasible, and would make the policy goals easier to achieve in many areas. He cautioned that the move would not fix every problem. Badenoch is due to set out the plan at the Manchester conference, saying Britain should leave the ECHR after thorough work and with legal backing from a King’s Counsel. She argued the change would protect borders, veterans and citizens, and keep Parliament sovereign.

Sir Keir Starmer said ministers are considering how Article 3 and Article 8 of the ECHR are interpreted. Shadow Home Secretary Chris Philp criticised the current framework as stretched by the courts and argued it allows foreign criminals and illegal migrants to stay in the UK. The conference is due to begin in Manchester on Sunday, with the party emphasising its aim to deliver a stronger economy and tighter borders. Russia remains the only country to have left the ECHR, after its 2022 expulsion.