Breaking News: Tories Vow to Ditch ECHR if Elected, Badenoch Warns
Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch has announced that the UK will leave the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR) if the party wins the next election. This decision comes after a review by the Conservative party's lead lawyer found staying in the ECHR blocks migration reform and leads to the persecution of military veterans.
Badenoch argued that leaving the treaty is necessary to "protect our borders, our veterans, and our citizens". The move marks a sharp shift from previous statements made by Badenoch, who last year said leaving the ECHR would not be a "silver bullet" for tackling immigration.
The ECHR has been a focal point in the Conservative Party's immigration debate, with senior figures arguing that its provisions have obstructed efforts to deport foreign criminals and failed asylum seekers. The decision is set to settle internal divisions within the party ahead of their conference in Manchester.
Labour has criticized Badenoch's U-turn, accusing her of being "too weak to stand up to her own party". The announcement comes on the eve of the Conservative Party's conference, where the party will discuss its plans for the next election.
This is a developing story and we will provide updates as more information becomes available.
*This is a developing story. Updates will be provided as more information becomes available. Based on reporting from Bbc.*
