An Border Force vessel delivers migrants to Dover port after intercepting a small boat crossing on December 17, 2025 in Dover, England. Politicians have been urged to stop “demonising” migrants by the country’s new equalities chief. Mary-Ann Stephenson, the new chairwoman of the Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) told The Times politicians are making life “very, very difficult” for ethnic minorities. She said:  “I think it’s really important that we have honesty in the way that we talk about human rights, and that we also have a recognition that the demonisation of migrants, the creating this idea that migration causes huge risks for the country can make the lives not just of migrants to the UK, but of ethnic minority UK citizens, very, very difficult.” She noted that leaving the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR) would leave the country without legal safeguards which “protect all of us”, too. Part of the UK’s Human Rights Act, the ECHR has become a sticking point in recent months amid rising concerns over immigration and blamed for holding up potential deportations. The legislation offers everyone the right to a private and family life, and enshrines the prohibition of torture and other severe-ill-treatment. It means governments cannot remove or return an individual to a place where there is a high risk of irreparable harm, and can sometimes be challenged in court over deportations which would impact a family. In an attack on critics – including the Tories and Reform – Stephenson claimed opposition to the UK’s membership of the ECHR was often based on “misleading” retellings of cases which had been thrown out by the courts. The Conservatives and Reform have claimed they would quit the ECHR in order to crack down on the number of migrants arriving on British shores. Stephenson said: “I think leaving the European Convention is a mistake. It weakens the rights that all of us depend on.” ECHR member states have agreed to look at reforming migration treaties within its framework to address international concerns. Secretary general of the Council of Europe, Alain Berset, said the convention could be adapted ahead of a summit in May. The Labour government has only called for the treaty to be reformed so far, stopping short of the stronger response from their right-wing opponents. In a joint article with Danish leader Mette Frederiksen earlier this month, Keir Starmer suggested changes were required to defeat the “forces of hate and division” rising over Europe. Labour already plans to restrict asylum seekers’ access to Article 3′s “right to family life” if they try to use it to postpone a deportation. Related... GB News Presenter Called Out For Sweeping Attack On Migrants: 'Many Are Just Normal People!' Policing Minister Admits Paying Migrant Sex Offender To Leave UK 'Sticks In The Throat' Why Was The Migrant Sex Offender Hadush Kebatu Given £500 To Leave The UK?