UK wants to tackle migrants arriving in small boats while adhering to ECHR, says PM spokesperson

The spokesperson for British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said the country wants to address the issue of migrants arriving in the United Kingdom on small boats. The spokesperson noted that the country is looking to address the issue while adhering to the European Convention on Human Rights.

Sunak’s spokesperson said on Monday that the British government wants to tackle the issue of migrants arriving in the UK on small boats, noting the intention to do so while remaining compliant with the ECHR. However, Sunak may reportedly consider leaving the ECHR should British law be challenged by its court, according to the Sunday Times, citing officials familiar with the matter.

“The policy approach of the government will both deal with the underlying causes and seeks to be compliant with our international obligations including the ECHR,” said the spokesperson.

Sunak is also expected to undergo a reshuffling of his cabinet, sources familiar with the matter confirmed the reports by the Sun and the Times news outlets on Monday.

The reports said that there were plans to dissolve the department for business, energy, and industrial strategy and the department for digital, culture, media, and sport. One source said that Sunak plans to merge the business wing of the BEIS with the trade department and create a new science and digital unit to merge the digital arm of the DCMS with the BEIS’ science and innovation wing.

By that time, Sunak is also expected to name a new chair for the governing Conservative Party after Nadhim Zahawi was dismissed over his tax scandal. The position has since become even more significant as it comes ahead of the general elections in 2024.

The timing for the reshuffle was met with surprise from some lawmakers, with some saying that Sunak may be aiming to make his mark on the government amidst Zahawi’s firing and the ongoing probe into the conduct of Sunak’s deputy prime minister Dominic Raab.

The opposition Labor Party is widely believed to take over in the coming elections due to the public opinion polls shifting in its favor. The party has also increasingly sought to present itself as the UK’s next government.