Keir Starmer is set to face Prime Minister’s Questions on Wednesday amid calls to “modernise” the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR).
The Prime Minister has urged Europe’s leaders to reform how the human rights treaty is interpreted in law to tackle illegal migration.
It comes as European ministers, including deputy prime minister David Lammy, are due to meet in Strasbourg, France, on Wednesday to discuss how the treaty is interpreted in the courts.
It is understood that a political declaration signed by the gathered ministers could carry enough weight to directly influence how the European Court of Human Rights interprets the agreement.
The ECHR, which underpins Britain’s Human Rights Act, is seen by its critics as a major barrier to attempts to deport illegal migrants from the UK.
The right to family life, enshrined by Article 8 of the agreement, is often used as grounds in legal cases to prevent removals.
Conservatives and Reform UK have both said they would leave the ECHR if in power, but Starmer’s government has insisted it will remain a member of the treaty.
Amnesty International UK hit out at UK plans to lead reforms of the ECHR, describing it as weakening protections.
Starmer could be questioned about the plans.
PMQs will be broadcast from the House of Commons at midday on Wednesday.
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