But what if they are saying no, Keir? Starmer begs European leaders to cease ECHR fuelling immigration disaster – as left-wing ‘luvvies’ insists beneficiant asylum guidelines should be stored

Keir Starmer is stepping up his desperate bid to stop refugee rights fuelling the immigration crisis today.

The PM has issued a plea for reform to the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR) amid fury that the rules are being exploited to dodge deportation.

Sir Keir has dispatched his deputy David Lammy and Attorney General Lord Hermer to a key summit happening in Strasbourg later, warning counterparts must ‘go further’ to protect borders and see off surging right-wing parties.

However, the premier is facing mounting resistance from the Left, as a group of celebrities including Steven Fry, Brian Cox and Michael Palin insisted asylum protections must not be weakened.   

Last month Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood announced plans to stop migrants using the ECHR to avoid deportation.

But both the Conservatives and Reform UK said this does not go far enough and have called for a complete withdrawal from the convention to take back control of Britain’s borders.

Keir Starmer is stepping up his desperate bid to stop refugee rights fuelling the immigration crisis today

Sir Keir has dispatched his deputy David Lammy and Attorney General Lord Hermer to a key summit happening in Strasbourg later

But writing in the Guardian, Sir Keir said that updating the ECHR is urgently required to tackle mass migration and confront the rise of Right-wing parties that are shaking up the status quo across Europe.

‘The current asylum framework was created for another era. In a world with mass mobility, yesterday’s answers do not work,’ the Prime Minister wrote in a joint article with the Danish leader Mette Frederiksen.

‘We will always protect those fleeing war and terror – but the world has changed and asylum systems must change with it.’

Sir Keir added: ‘Migration must be orderly, managed and sustainable. Irregular routes should not be the go-to option – so we must dismantle the human smuggling networks that prey on desperation.

According to the Guardian, the letter warning Sir Keir not to weaken asylum rights has also been signed by actress Joanna Lumley, Life on Mars star David Morrissey, and impressionist Rory Bremner.

‘The European convention on human rights (ECHR) and the UN convention against torture are at the heart of [Britain’s] legacy,’ the letter said. 

‘They have saved lives, delivered justice and shown the world that Britain leads not by fear, but by principle. 

The PM is facing mounting resistance from the Left, as a group of celebrities including Steven Fry (pictured), Brian Cox and Michael Palin insisted asylum protections must not be weakened

‘Any attempt at undermining their universal protections is an affront to us all and a threat to the security of each and every one of us.’

The letter added: ‘In accordance with hundreds of years of proud global leadership Britain must remain steadfast in upholding and championing our shared right to live a life free from torture, without exception. 

‘This means resisting any attempts to roll back vital protections and demanding accountability for perpetrators without fear or favour. We are looking to you to choose a future in which our country continues to stand tall for dignity, justice, humanity and hope.’