Attorney General Richard Hermer defends Labour’s commitment to the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR) while addressing criticism from people who want the UK to withdraw from the convention. In comments reported by the Daily Mail, Hermer is said to have responded to the view that leaving the ECHR would help deal with irregular migration, particularly Channel crossings. The report says Hermer suggested that those who back quitting the ECHR are “happy” for migrants crossing the Channel to suffer harm, using the phrase that people would be “drown[ing] in the water.” The remarks are presented as part of a broader defence of Labour’s legal and human rights stance, with Hermer portrayed as arguing that maintaining the ECHR is central to Labour policy. The sources provided focus on the substance of Hermer’s defence and the specific wording attributed to him, rather than on any direct policy decision or legislative change.