Lib Dems defeat Farage’s bill to withdraw from ECHR and “tear up people’s rights”

Yesterday, Nigel Farage brought forward a Bill in Parliament to withdraw the UK from the European Convention on Human Rights, a move that would have torn up people’s hard-won rights and undermined the very foundations of our democracy.

The European Convention on Human Rights was written after the Second World War to protect ordinary people from tyranny and abuse. It was championed by Winston Churchill himself, embodying Britain’s proud commitment to liberty, fairness, and the rule of law.

Only one country has ever left the Convention: Putin’s Russia. That tells you everything you need to know about the company Farage keeps and the future he wants for Britain.

While Labour Ministers sat on their hands and the Conservatives voted with Farage, it was Liberal Democrat MPs who showed up and stopped him. Together, we defeated the Bill by 154 votes to 96.

As Liberal Democrats, we will always defend Britain’s place as a global champion of human rights and justice for all. Yesterday’s vote was an important victory for those values, and a reminder that we must never take them for granted.