Suella Braverman, giving a speech on migration in the United States, said it was time for the “definition of who qualifies for protection” to be “tightened” as she advocated for changes to international treaties governing refugee rules.
A “fear of being branded a racist or illiberal” has prevented reform of the global asylum system, according to Braverman.
The Home Secretary said in her speech: “Any attempt to reform the refugee convention will see you smeared as anti-refugee.
“Similar epithets are hurled at anyone who suggests reform of the ECHR (European Convention on Human Rights) or its court in Strasbourg.
“I reject that notion that a country cannot be expected to respect human rights if it is not signed up to an international human rights organisation.
“Unilateral or bilateral solutions and policies of deterrence can and do work.”
Ms Braverman said that while “international co-operation is essential” in creating an “asylum framework fit for the modern age”, “nations cannot simply sit on their hands while a reform process plays out”.
“It is right that they act in their national interest.”
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