Robert Jenrick has signalled Britain could be in for a crucial years-long repeat of the Brexit debate, after saying the UK’s membership of the European Convention on Human Rights is “unsustainable”.
Speaking on GB News, the former immigration minister was asked whether he’ll now campaign for Britain to leave the ECHR, after previously hinting at the radical move while still in Government.
He told the channel: “Our membership of the ECHR is unsustainable, I think that will become clearer and clearer to the British public in the months and the years ahead”.
“It was a separate debate to the [Rwanda Bill]… but it is a debate we need now to engage in as a party and as a country. It’s one I want to be at the forefront of”.
Mr Jenrick also said there’s a case for the Home Office to be split up entirely, allowing the Government to have a “tough borders department… solely focussed on securing our borders”.
GB News presenter Camilla Tominey also used the interview to probe Mr Jenrick about his personal ambitions, noting his weight loss and haircut.
“You’re positioning yourself against Rishi Sunak, you seem to be gaining support, particularly among the right of the party. I know you’re having conversations with the New Conservatives.
“Are you lining yourself up to be a future Tory leader?”
Mr Jenrick gave the stock politician’s non-answer of “that is not my intention”, however further probing revealed a telling non-denial.
Mr Jenrick added: “What I am trying to do is make an argument and part of that is around illegal migration. I think for too long, too few politicians have argued that we need to take the most robust action.
“So if I can help the Conservative Party by making that argument very strongly then I will do.”
Asked again whether he’d stand as leader in the future, Mr Jenrick claimed he’s “not giving that any thought”.
When Ms Tominey pointed out that his answer wasn’t a no, the top Tory replied: “I’m not ruling it out”.
Speaking about his recent rebellion on the Rwanda Bill, Mr Jenrick said he would be “proved right” if Mr Sunak continues failing to deport migrants.
He continued describing the flagship legislation as a “weak Bill that ultimately won’t work”.
“We will have to see now. If in August there are still small boats crossing the Channel then it will be shown that my argument was right and the Government was wrong”.
Mr Jenrick was one of just 11 Tory MPs who voted against the Government’s Rwanda Bill this week.
