00:00The ECHR is now being used in ways never intended by its original authors.
00:06It should be a shield to protect.
00:08Instead, it's become a sword.
00:10A sword used to attack democratic decisions and common sense.
00:16This use of litigation as a political weapon is what I am calling lawfare.
00:23It isn't just damaging our security, it's also damaging our prosperity.
00:28Today, I'm not talking just about the ECHR.
00:32I'm asking and answering a question.
00:36What are some of the things that the next government will need to do?
00:40Things the British people expect it to be able to do.
00:43And the very things that governments are struggling to do.
00:47But time and time again, when we try and find solutions, we come up with the same obstacles, like the ECHR.
00:54And I know many people believe that we should keep pursuing reform.
00:59I used to think so, too.
01:02I fear this is now a lost cause.
01:05Reform is not going to work.
01:08And I mean this on many levels.
01:09We tried that before.
01:13Fifteen years ago, the Brighton process achieved some success.
01:17But the Strasbourg court has shown no real interest in fundamental change.
01:22Last month, nine European countries, led by Georgia Maloney, called for a serious conversation about how the ECHR handles migration.
01:30Not radical demands, just a simple request to talk.
01:34What was the Secretary-General of the Council of Europe's reply?
01:39He said institutions that protect fundamental rights cannot bend to political cycles.
01:44In other words, they're not listening.
01:46What was the Secretary-General of the Council of Europe's reply?
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