The British government has presented a controversial new bill aimed at restricting certain protections under human rights legislation, with the explicit goal of making it easier to deport migrants in irregular situations. The bill, introduced by the Home Secretary in the House of Commons on Monday, specifically targets Article 8 of the European Convention on Human Rights, which guarantees the right to family life.
Under the proposed changes, only "close" family relationships — between parents and children — would be considered valid grounds to prevent deportation. Spouses, siblings, and other extended family members would no longer be protected under this provision. Additionally, the government aims to significantly limit the number of legal appeals lodged by rejected asylum seekers, whom officials accuse of using repeated claims to delay deportation.
This initiative comes amid a tense political climate, with growing pressure from Conservative voters and the rising influence of the Reform UK party, which demands an even stricter stance on immigration. However, the proposal is also causing divisions within the ruling Conservative Party, with some MPs fearing it may constitute a serious breach of fundamental rights.
Critical voices have emerged among Labour MPs as well, though more discreetly, expressing concerns over what they see as an authoritarian shift disguised as migration control. The bill's passage remains uncertain and may face lengthy parliamentary negotiations.
If passed, this tightening of the law could have significant implications for the UK’s international obligations and may open the door to legal challenges at the European Court of Human Rights.