ECHR risks legal issues for British troops in Ukraine

British troops may face legal challenges related to human rights if deployed in Ukraine, according to warnings from Sir Keir Starmer. The Prime Minister is facing pressure to exempt soldiers from the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR) to prevent potential lawsuits fueled by Russia. Concerns over “vexatious” claims have risen, as past deployments in Iraq and other regions led to numerous legal actions against British troops. Shadow Defence Secretary James Cartlidge urged the government to protect military personnel from such claims during their potential mission in Ukraine. Cartlidge noted that many veterans fear the legal risks they could encounter. He has called on Defence Secretary John Healey to consider removing ECHR protections for the duration of troop deployment. Previous laws aimed at limiting these legal challenges have faced setbacks in Parliament. The Ministry of Defence stated that the UK complies with international law during military operations and is actively planning with allies for a potential peacekeeping force in Ukraine. Starmer has indicated his readiness to support troop deployments as part of a coalition to ensure security for Ukraine. Meanwhile, discussions continue about the necessary military capabilities for such a mission. Questions remain about operational rules for British troops, particularly regarding engagement in the event of conflict with Russian forces.