TORY MPs were furious last night following a Cabinet clash over whether Britain should quit the European Court of Human Rights.
Backbenchers want to withdraw from the Strasbourg Court to make it easier to deport foreign criminals and get a grip on the small boats crisis.
Dominic Raab told the Commons: ‘We have made it clear that we would not rule out ever withdrawing from the ECHR in the future’
Prime Minister Rishi Sunak is also reportedly coming round to the idea of reforming the Human Rights Act so European judges cannot meddle with British laws.
But instead of having a clear policy, a row broke out in the Cabinet ranks yesterday.
In the morning, Justice Secretary Dominic Raab told the Commons: “We have made it clear that we would not rule out ever withdrawing from the ECHR in the future.”
But later in the day, Attorney General Victoria Prentis said: “The Government’s position is that we are committed to remaining in the ECHR.”
The day of mixed messages infuriated Tory backbenchers, who demanded Ms Prentis row back on her remarks.
Ex-Tory minister Jonathan Gullis said: “If we need to leave the ECHR to take control of our borders then we must be willing to do it.
“All options should be on the table and everyone around the Cabinet table needs to get on board with it.” No 10 tried to play down the rift, saying Ms Prentis was “setting out our previously stated position”.
The PM’s spokesman said: “The legislation we intend to bring forward we believe can operate within the boundaries of the ECHR.”
It comes as the 92 Group of Tory MPs warned the PM must speed up the small boat clampdown. It plans to raise this at PMQs this afternoon.
The group told a meeting with Chief Whip Simon Hart that it was “no longer content” with the delays.
