The political battle over English Channel crossings has reached a new level of vitriol. Shadow Home Secretary Chris Philp has accused Attorney General Lord Hermer of a "disgraceful slur" following comments regarding the morality of Conservative and Reform UK migration policies.

In a recent interview on the BBC's Political Thinking podcast, Lord Hermer suggested that proposals to leave the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR) effectively amount to a policy of letting "people drown in the water." The Attorney General, a prominent human rights lawyer and ally of the Prime Minister, argued that international cooperation—which he claims relies on ECHR membership—is the only viable path to reducing the number of small boat arrivals.

When pressed on whether he believed Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch specifically desired such an outcome, Hermer stopped short of a direct accusation. Instead, he pointed to the broader rhetoric used by voices to the right of the Conservative leadership, describing it as a "deeply, deeply concerning" disregard for human humanity.

Philp did not hold back in his rebuttal. "It is a disgraceful slur to suggest that those wanting to end illegal small boat immigration are prepared to see migrants drown," he said. The Shadow Home Secretary argued that the current government’s reliance on human rights legal frameworks is the primary obstacle to border security. He maintains that leaving the ECHR is the only way to ensure illegal arrivals can be deported within a week.

The Clash Over ECHR Membership

The fundamental disagreement centers on the role of the ECHR in UK border policy. The Labour government has rejected calls to exit the treaty, opting instead to negotiate changes to how the convention is interpreted. They argue that this approach allows for more effective deportations without abandoning international legal obligations.

Lord Hermer defended this strategy, noting that the government has already secured new agreements with France. These deals include a "one in one out" arrangement and expanded powers for French police to intervene before boats leave the coast. He emphasized that migrants are not traveling to the UK because of the ECHR, noting that they pass through multiple other signatory nations on their journey.

A Statistical Divide

The debate occurs against a backdrop of fluctuating arrival numbers. Since 2018, more than 200,000 people have crossed the Channel in small boats. While 2022 remains the peak year, 2025 saw over 40,000 arrivals. Current data suggests a 38 percent decline in crossings so far this year compared to the same period in 2025, with approximately 9,000 arrivals recorded since January.

Despite the downward trend, the political stakes remain high. Reform UK has pledged to review all asylum claims from the last five years if they take power, while the Conservatives continue to push for a total withdrawal from the ECHR. For the opposition, the current numbers are not a success. They are a failure.

Key Takeaways

  • Shadow Home Secretary Chris Philp labeled Lord Hermer’s comments a "disgraceful slur," rejecting the link between right-wing policies and migrant deaths.
  • Attorney General Lord Hermer argued that ECHR membership is essential for international cooperation, which he claims is the only way to stop the boats.
  • Small boat arrivals are down 38 percent this year compared to 2025, though the political divide over how to handle the remaining crossings remains as wide as ever.

The government’s next move will likely involve further diplomatic pressure on European partners to tighten enforcement. Whether that will satisfy critics who demand a complete exit from the ECHR is doubtful. The argument is no longer just about policy. It is about character. And neither side is backing down.