'You're in utter denial!' Outrage as Labour minister hits out at small boat 'lies'

'You're in utter denial!' Outrage as Labour minister hits out at small boat 'lies' Jake Richards said that anyone who says pulling out of the European Convention on Human Rights will help stop small boats is telliing lies Share Article Share Article Facebook X LinkedIn Reddit Bluesky Email Copy Link Link copied Bookmark Add us as preferred source Comments By David Williamson , Chief Political Commentator 11:58, Sat, Oct 3, 2026 Updated: 12:06, Sat, Oct 3, 2026 Conservatives insist pulling out of the ECHR is necessary to tackle the small boats crisis (Image: Getty Images) Labour has been accused of being in a state of “complete and utter denial” after Justice Minister Jake Richards was recorded accusing anyone who says leaving the European Convention on Human Rights will help stop small boats in the Channel of “lying”. At last week’s Labour conference in Liverpool, Mr Richards, who served as a barrister until entering Parliament in 2024, was heard blasting those who argue the UK should leave the ECHR. He said: “Leaving the ECHR will not help us tackle this small boat crisis one jot, and anyone who says so is lying. And it’s really important we kind of are very strong on that.” Article continues below ADVERTISEMENT Shadow Home Secretary Chris Philp hit back, saying: “Labour are in complete and utter denial. As long as we stay shackled to the ECHR, foreign criminals can use the courts to block deportation, meaning we will never be able to deter illegal Channel crossings from happening. Britain needs the power to deport foreign criminals and stop the boats, and only the Conservatives have done the work needed to get us out of the treaties standing in the way.” Get the latest politics news - straight from our team in Westminster and more I would like to receive emails from the Daily Express featuring our latest products, services, offers, and promotions from across the Reach Plc family . Subscribe Invalid email You agree you are 18 or over. We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you've consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and third parties based on our knowledge of you. You can unsubscribe at any time. More Info . Jake Richards is a Justice Minister and Labour MP for Rother Valley (Image: Jonathan Buckmaster) A Home Office spokesperson responded, saying: “We are reforming our human rights laws to prevent them being abused by foreign criminals with no right to be in the UK. This includes domestic legislation to tighten the application of the European Convention on Human Rights in immigration cases, and working with European partners to ensure it remains fit for modern migration challenges.” Labour Party European Court of Human Rights Immigration English Channel migrant crossings Chris Philp Share Article Share Article Facebook X LinkedIn Reddit Bluesky Email Copy Link Link copied Bookmark Add us as preferred source Comments