Theresa May must improve her and Britain’s record on human rights now that she is becoming Prime Minister, campaigners have warned.
Amnesty UK and Reprieve are amongst charities calling for the former Home Secretary to commit to a fresh start on issues like UK complicity in torture, and the European Convention on Human Rights.
Ms May has previously said she would consider pulling out of said Convention, but made clear during her leadership campaign that that policy was now off the table.
She has also been criticised for masterminding a policy of sending vans around Britain telling undocumented migrants to “go home or face arrest”. Heavily anti-immigration themes in her speech at Conservative party conference 2015 were also rubbished by campaigners.
Donald Campbell, head of communications at, Reprieve told the Independent that as Home Secretary Ms May had presided over “worrying” secrecy but expressed hope that things might change.
“At times, Theresa May's Home Office has been worryingly secretive on human rights issues,” he said.
“For example, they have frequently refused to disclose information on funding and training for overseas police forces which could lead to people being tortured and executed.
“We hope that the new prime minister will place greater emphasis on transparency and accountability, and ensure Britain no longer provides assistance which could end up supporting torture and the death penalty around the world.
“At home, she must deliver an independent, judge led inquiry into uk involvement in the CIA torture programme- a promise made, but then abandoned, by her predecessor.”
Meanwhile Kate Allen, director of Amnesty UK, welcomed Ms May’s newfound commitment to the ECHR – but hinted that the organisation had not forgotten Ms May’s 2015 conference speech.
“We look forward to working with Theresa May on a range of human rights issues,” she said.
“There’s much to be concerned about in the country Theresa May is inheriting, and we very much need to turn the corner on human rights.
“The work should start today. The Prime Minister should make it her first point of business to guarantee that EU migrants can stay in the UK and won’t be used as bargaining chips in Brexit negotiations.
“She also needs to tackle the recent rise in hate crimes, racism and xenophobia and ensure refugees and migrants are no longer denigrated in political speeches.
“Theresa May has said she’s committed to the UK remaining a signatory to the European Convention of Human Rights, which we warmly welcome, and she should now ensure that key human rights protections are safeguarded in Brexit negotiations, that human rights are put back at the centre of British foreign policy and the Human Rights Act is safeguarded here at home.”
