[JURIST] Lawyers and legal experts expressed concern [letter] on Sunday that the UK’s consideration of leaving the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR) [text, PDF] after the settlement of Brexit could result in a deterioration of human rights. The letter was signed by more than 50 prominent members of the legal field. The criticism rested heavily on statements [speech] made about the ECHR by Prime Minister Theresa May [official website], including that, “The [convention] can bind the hands of parliament, adds nothing to our prosperity, makes us less secure by preventing the deportation of dangerous foreign nationals, and does nothing to change the attitudes of governments like Russia’s when it comes to human rights.” The letter refutes these claims, stating that the ECHR has been the “bedrock” of peace in Europe since the second world war and contributed to the growth of democracy in Eastern Europe. The letter asks the EU to make it a requirement that the UK retain its membership in the ECHR to secure any free trade deal during the Brexit negotiations.

British citizens voted in a referendum in June to leave the EU [JURIST report], a move termed “Brexit.” The vote, an extension of British discontent with the EU, defied the suggestions of economists and British leaders, leading to the resignation of former Prime Minister David Cameron. Many believe this separation will negatively effect the British economy, which will likely be cut off from the EU’s single market, unless an agreement between the two can be reached. Last week the president of the UK Supreme Court defended [JURIST report] its judgment that only Parliament can trigger Article 50 to leave the EU. Also this month the House of Commons voted [JURIST report] 494-122 to give May authority to formally begin the Brexit process.