NIGEL Farage called for a showdown referendum on exiting the European Court of Human Rights in his Commons maiden speech today.
The Reform leader insisted a “fun” vote to abandon the ECHR would be the only way to end the small boats crisis.
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Mr Farage hit out at Labour’s plan to tackle soaring illegal migration by smashing smuggling gangs.
He argued that regardless of how tough prison sentences or penalties may be, there will always be volunteers ready to rake in millions by facilitating dodgy dinghy rides.
The outspoken MP for Clacton said: “I believe that the population explosion is having the biggest impact on the quality of life of ordinary folk than any other issue.
“We will only stop the boats if we start deporting people that come illegally, then they won’t pay the smugglers.
“But we’ll only do that by leaving the ECHR.
“I’ve got a fun suggestion that I think would liven up politics, engage the public and see a massively increased turnout: why don’t we have a referendum on whether we continue to be members of the ECHR?”
In his maiden speech Mr Farage also slammed the onslaught of new Remainer MPs on the green benches.
He said: “There are more supporters of Brexit in the European Parliament than I sense there are in this Parliament of 2024.
“This is very much a Remainers’ Parliament – I suspect in many cases it’s really a rejoiners’ Parliament.”
Turning to local issues, the Reform boss told MPs he wants to see more investment pumped into Clacton.
Mr Farage, who has been accused of not spending sufficient time in his Essex seaside constituency, said: “I feel immensely sorry for people who the benefits system, which is designed to help them, is actually keeping them trapped in levels of relative poverty.
“So I will do my best, as the MP for the area, to bring business, investment, private money into the constituency with jobs and training and skills.
“I can’t promise that I’ll do it but I’ll do my absolute damnedest to make it happen.”
What is the European Court of Human Rights?
THE European Court of Human Rights is a judicial body established to oversee the protection of human rights in Europe.
It’s part of the Council of Europe and the court is based in Strasbourg, France.
When individuals feel that their rights have been violated in any of the member countries, and they have exhausted all possible legal remedies in their own country, they can take their case to the ECHR.
This could involve issues like freedom of speech, the right to a fair trial, privacy rights, and protection from torture or discrimination.
The court examines the cases brought before it and decides whether there has indeed been a violation of the European Convention on Human Rights, which is the treaty that established the court and outlines the rights and freedoms that it protects.
If the ECHR finds that a violation has occurred, it can order the responsible country to take corrective actions, which might include changing laws or practices, or compensating the victims