Mary-Ann Stephenson claimed framing migration as causing huge risks “makes life very difficult not only for migrants but for ethnic minority British citizens too”.
A group of people thought to be migrants are brought in to the Border Force compound in Dover, Kent (Image: PA)
Sir Keir Starmer‘s appointee to lead Britain’s equalities watchdog has cautioned against portraying migration as a major threat to the country and warned of the “demonisation of migrants”. Political debate has intensified this year over the UK’s adherence to the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR), particularly in immigration cases.
The international treaty has faced criticism from right-wing figures who claim it obstructs deportations of illegal migrants. Both the Conservatives and Reform UK have pledged to exit the convention to strengthen immigration controls. The Labour Government has committed to remaining in the treaty while reviewing human rights laws to facilitate deportations of those without legal status in the UK.
Dr Mary-Ann Stephenson, the new chairwoman of the Equality and Human Rights Commission (Image: PA)
Proposed reforms target Article 3 (prohibiting torture or inhuman treatment) and Article 8 (protecting family life), which have blocked removals in numerous cases.
Critics of the ECHR argue that judicial interpretations of these articles have expanded over time, making it harder to deport foreign national offenders or failed asylum seekers, even in cases involving prison conditions or healthcare differences abroad rather than genuine risks of torture.
This has fuelled concerns that the convention hinders effective border control and contributes to public frustration over irregular migration, with some politicians warning it enables abuse of the system and undermines sovereignty.
However, research indicates such successful human rights claims are rare, and media misreporting often exaggerates their impact.
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer (Image: Getty)
Dr Mary-Ann Stephenson, who became chair of the Equality and Human Rights Commission at the start of December, called the convention “really important” and argued that withdrawing would undermine protections everyone relies on.
The commission oversees rights and freedoms in England, Scotland, and Wales.
Dr Stephenson emphasised: “It’s embedded in UK law via the Human Rights Act and delivers protections for all of us.”
She cited cases like the John Worboys scandal, where the Supreme Court held police accountable for investigative failures, and another case that prevented the forced separation of an elderly couple requiring care.
Ms Stephenson argued these illustrate the vital role of incorporating convention rights into domestic law.
She added: “Most people would support outcomes like these – the kinds of protections we all want.
“Leaving the European Convention would be a mistake, weakening rights we all depend on.”
She highlighted risks of misrepresenting unsuccessful human rights claims in court.
Referencing Oxford University research, she pointed to misleading reports, such as the overturned “chicken nuggets” deportation case falsely tied to a child’s food preferences.
Dr Stephenson stressed: “We need honest discourse on human rights, and recognition that demonising migrants – by framing migration as causing huge risks to the country – makes life very difficult not only for migrants but for ethnic minority British citizens too.”
Earlier this month, the Council of Europe secretary general Alain Berset noted member states’ “important first step” in exploring treaty reforms to address migration, with a new political declaration slated for adoption in Moldova in May 2026.
Ms Stephson’s remarks came on the day another 803 migrants arrived in the UK after crossing the English Channel illegally.
