Migration law 'must be tailored to reality'

INTERNATIONAL laws must allow countries to protect their borders from "irregular migration", the Justice Secretary will tell world ministers today.

-  Michael Knowles

Alex Chalk will insist the law must be "tailored to reality" and "deliver" for frustrated nations.

Mr Chalk is to speak at the G7 Justice Ministers' Meeting in Venice, where he will insist treaties, such as the European Convention on Human Rights and the Refugee Convention, must "be up to date".

It comes as Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has threatened to leave the ECHR if his Rwanda migrant plan is blocked.

And Home Secretary James Cleverly described the 1951 Refugee Convention as "anachronistic", adding that it had not been updated since 1967.

The Government is trying to reform the international treaties, institutions and conventions that govern immigration and refugees.

Mr Chalk, who is opposed to quitting the ECHR, is expected to tell G7 ministers: "There will be some who take the view that the law should be no impediment to tackling irregular migration. But it is important for all of us here to be the voice that says no.

"We must uphold the rule of law, but it can also help us to protect our borders if we approach it in the right way.

"The law is a living instrument, not suspended in time.

"It must underpin our citizens' rights and freedoms and, to do that, it must also be up to date, and tailored to reality.