Victims of significant institutional injustices in the UK have joined forces to urge government officials not to dismantle crucial human rights safeguards. Families impacted by tragedies like Grenfell, Hillsborough, infected blood scandals, Windrush, and Covid-related losses have penned a compelling letter emphasizing the importance of the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR) in today’s context.

Reform leader Nigel Farage recently proposed a Bill advocating for the UK’s withdrawal from the ECHR, a move that these campaigners vehemently oppose. They emphasized that the ECHR plays a critical role in exposing state cover-ups and failures, providing a platform to demand transparency, accountability, and challenge authority.

The letter highlights that the ECHR has been instrumental in their fights for justice, offering a beacon of hope in the face of institutional shortcomings. It underlines the significance of upholding the ECHR, a cornerstone established in 1950 with the backing of notable figures like Winston Churchill.

Various advocacy groups, including Grenfell United, Covid-19 Bereaved Families for Justice, and others, have united in support of the letter. Amnesty UK’s Legal Protection for Human Rights Campaign Manager, Tom Morrison, emphasized the importance of heeding the collective voice of these families who have experienced the repercussions of institutional failings.

While both Reform UK and the Conservative Party have expressed intentions to exit the ECHR to enhance border security, opposition leader Keir Starmer has stressed the need to reconsider the application of ECHR rulings by UK courts without advocating for withdrawal.

The recent defeat of Farage’s Bill in the Parliament saw strong criticism from the Liberal Democrat leader, Sir Ed Davey, who condemned the Reform leader for undermining the country’s interests and aligning with divisive figures like Donald Trump. Sir Ed underscored the critical role of ECHR laws in holding the powerful accountable and ensuring justice prevails.

In response, Farage defended his stance, citing growing public discontent and arguing for greater control over immigration policies without external judicial oversight. The debate over the UK’s relationship with the ECHR continues to stir controversy, with advocates stressing the importance of upholding human rights protections in the face of political shifts.