Labour MPs Reaffirm ECHR Commitment, Reject Second Referendum

Tories have pointed to the absence of immigration policy from Starmer’s speech today, as the major parties set a dividing line on closer alignment with Europe

Northern Ireland shadow secretary Hilary Benn speaking during the Labour Party Conference in Liverpool. Picture taken: October 9, 2023. Stefan Rousseau/PA Wire

LIVERPOOL—Prominent Labour MPs have reiterated their commitment to closer ties with the single market and upholding Britain’s participation in the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR), without resorting to a second referendum if they assume power.

Speaking yesterday at a Centre for European Reform event, Hilary Benn, Shadow Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, criticised the Conservative Party’s portrayal of the ECHR as an obstacle, stating, “It is the very opposite. It is the basis on which our rights are protected.”