TORY MPs are said to be plotting a “Super Thursday” approach to the next election – seeking to combine the vote with a human rights referendum.
MPs want Boris Johnson to front a referendum campaign on leaving the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR) to be held on the same day as the General Election, the Mail on Sunday reports.
The plan is said to have been devised by the New Conservatives group of MPs, chaired by right-wingers Danny Kruger and Miriam Cates.
They reportedly believe a joint election and referendum campaign could spare the Conservatives from predictions of electoral oblivion – given Labour’s massive poll lead over the Tories.
The plan has been led by former Tory deputy chairman Brendan Clarke-Smith and senior backers are thought to include former Brexit negotiator Lord David Frost, the Mail on Sunday said.
One MP told the paper: “You'd assume everybody who voted Reform should be voting to leave ECHR.
READ MORE: Rishi Sunak vows to tear up UK laws and challenge judges to push through Rwanda plan
“It then comes to the fact that you want it implemented. A referendum would also give us the power to get it through the Lords.”
The ECHR is a controversial issue among Tory MPs, with some believing it prevents the Government from introducing stricter immigration rules.
Former prime minister Theresa May was an advocate of getting rid of legislation which incorporated it into UK law and former home secretary Suella Braverman as well as former immigration minister Robert Jenrick are all supporters of quitting the ECHR.
Supporters of a double vote think it would increase turnout, and be a “good wedge issue” with Labour, the paper added.
Why are you making commenting on The National only available to subscribers?
We know there are thousands of National readers who want to debate, argue and go back and forth in the comments section of our stories. We’ve got the most informed readers in Scotland, asking each other the big questions about the future of our country.
Unfortunately, though, these important debates are being spoiled by a vocal minority of trolls who aren’t really interested in the issues, try to derail the conversations, register under fake names, and post vile abuse.
So that’s why we’ve decided to make the ability to comment only available to our paying subscribers. That way, all the trolls who post abuse on our website will have to pay if they want to join the debate – and risk a permanent ban from the account that they subscribe with.
The conversation will go back to what it should be about – people who care passionately about the issues, but disagree constructively on what we should do about them. Let’s get that debate started!
Callum Baird, Editor of The National
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel