British PM: Border security more important than international courts

Britain has long planned to deport illegal immigrants to Rwanda. It is primarily intended to deter people. Is the country planning to withdraw from the European Convention on Human Rights? Prime Minister Sunak fueled speculation.

British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak says he believes border security is more important than membership of international courts. In an interview with the Sun newspaper, the conservative politician fueled speculation that his country could withdraw from the European Convention on Human Rights if the European Court of Human Rights in Strasbourg intervenes in its deportation policy.

The British government wants to deport migrants to Rwanda who arrive in Great Britain without the necessary documents – regardless of their nationality. People must apply for asylum in the East African country; The government wants to prevent people from crossing the English Channel in small boats.

Massive criticism of Sunak's plans

Despite criticism from human rights organizations and Great Britain's Supreme Court, the government is sticking to the plan. In the Sun interview, Sunak was asked if he would pull out of the European Convention on Human Rights to push through the plans.

“I believe our plans are consistent with our international obligations, including the European Convention on Human Rights,” Sunak said. “But I believe that border security and making sure that we can control illegal immigration is more important than any member of the foreign court because it is fundamental to our sovereignty as a country.”

Prevention as the preferred method

Sunak has made stopping boats crossing the English Channel one of his main political goals. Sunak reiterated in the interview that he wanted to stay on the block so people wouldn't even entertain the idea of ​​illegally crossing the English Channel.

The first three months of this year saw a record number of people trying to reach Britain this way, the PA news agency reported. At that time more than 5,400 people made the perilous journey through the strait.