Tom Gordon MP Marks 75th Anniversary of the European Convention on Human Rights in Parliament

Tom Gordon, MP for Harrogate and Knaresborough, has tabled a motion in Parliament to mark the 75th anniversary of the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR), celebrating its enduring legacy in protecting freedoms across Europe.

Signed in 1950, the Convention has safeguarded the rights and liberties of more than 700 million people. Tom’s Early Day Motion (EDM) pays tribute to the Convention’s vital role in upholding human dignity and liberty, and highlights its influence on British law—most notably through the Human Rights Act 1998.

As a member of the cross-party Joint Committee on Human Rights (JCHR), Tom plays a key role in scrutinising Government legislation for its compatibility with fundamental rights and freedoms. The Committee, made up of members from both the House of Commons and the House of Lords, ensures that human rights remain central to UK law and policy.

Speaking on the anniversary, Tom said:

“For 75 years, the European Convention on Human Rights has protected the freedoms we value most. Its impact has been profound—not just across Europe, but right here in the UK.

“At a time when some have called for Britain to step back from its human rights commitments, it’s more important than ever that we reaffirm our dedication to these shared values.

“As a member of the Joint Committee on Human Rights, I’m proud to play my part in holding the Government to account, and ensuring that our laws continue to uphold the dignity and rights of every individual.”

ENDS

Notes to editors:

The text of the EDM is as follows, and can be found here: 

That this House celebrates the 75th anniversary of the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR), signed in 1950, which has been a cornerstone of the Council of Europe and continues to evolve to meet modern human rights challenges; recognises and celebrates the Convention’s role in protecting the rights and fundamental freedoms of over 700 million people across Europe, ensuring dignity and liberty within its jurisdiction; acknowledges the ECHR’s crucial role in empowering individuals to uphold their rights; and notes the Convention’s lasting contribution to British law, particularly through the Human Rights Act 1998, which has embedded these protections in domestic legislation and strengthened the rights of people across the UK.