“UK, Denmark want reform of Convention on Human Rights –

The leaders of the UK and Denmark are demanding an overhaul of European immigration laws. Keir Starmer and Mette Frederiksen argue that populists will continue to gain ground if something isn’t done soon.

UK, Denmark want reform of Convention on Human Rights

The leaders of the UK and Denmark are demanding an overhaul of European immigration laws. Keir Starmer and Mette Frederiksen argue that populists will continue to gain ground if something isn’t done soon.

A raft full of migrants crosses the English Channel as a ferry is seen behind it
Keir Starmer and Mette Frederiksen argue that populists will continue to gain ground in Europe if something isn’t done to curb irregular migration soon

As European justice ministers and other officials from the 46-member Council of Europe descended on Strasbourg to negotiate the modernization of the current European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR) on Wednesday, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Danish counterpart Mette Frederiksen delivered a public plea for major reforms.

In a commentary published in the UK’s Guardian newspaper on Tuesday, the two called for “responsible governments” to act on “their citizens’ concerns,” warning that to do otherwise would allow “populists to win.”

The two argue, “The best way of fighting against the forces of hate and division is to show that mainstream, progressive politics can fix this problem.”

Both Starmer and Frederiksen have tightened immigration policies in the face of increasing numbers of people arriving in the bloc as they flee oppression and poverty at home.