Lord Richard Hermer, the Attorney General said the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR) is in the UK’s national interest and that the rules-based order should “act as a compass in these uncertain times”.

He made the comments yesterday (Thursday, April 23), at the Bonavero Institute in Oxford where he was speaking on stage to Alain Berset, the secretary general of the Council of Europe which oversees the ECHR.

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While he stressed the government’s commitment to the treaty, Lord Hermer said its values must “develop and adapt”.

Attorney General Lord Richard Hermer (Image: Jeff Moore/PA Wire)

The Council of Europe is under pressure from a number of countries, including the UK, to change the way the laws apply in migration cases, notably in its Article 3 protection against inhuman or degrading treatment and the Article 8 right to a family life.

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Both articles have been used to prevent people with no right to be in the UK being sent back to their home countries.

Labour, unlike the Tories and Reform UK, is committed to remaining within the ECHR.

Lord Hermer told the Oxford event: “The international rule of law, deep concern to respect the human rights of all, should act as a compass in these uncertain times – I think most people in the world understand this, I think most people in this country want this.”

The Prince of Wales was taking a tour around the headquarters of the British Formula E team, Jaguar TCS Racing in Kidlington today (Thursday, April 23).

After being greeted by staff at the entrance, the royal made his way into the facility and had a look around the trophy room to start.

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Prince William tries out the car alongside António Félix da Costa. (Image: Jason Dawson)

Having made his way downstairs, His Royal Highness was then greeted by Jaguar racer António Félix da Costa.

The Portuguese driver, who notably won the 2019–20 Formula E Championship, showed Prince William around the car.

It was at this point the Prince of Wales got into the vehicle to take a closer look from behind the wheel.

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Prince William tries out the car alongside António Félix da Costa. (Image: Jason Dawson)

Having sat in the car for a short while and got to grips with the machine, the royal then exited the vehicle and continued his tour around the headquarters.

Jack Lambert, head of Technical Integration at Jaguar, said: “He’s tall. I’m not very sure he’d be comfortable racing in it.

“We probably only have one racing driver [who is that height], Jake Dennis, and his knees are right up in the cockpit.

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HRH Prince William, the Prince of Wales visits The Jaguar TCS Racing Formula E team. Kidlington, Oxfordshire, UK. 23rd April 2026. (Image: Jason Dawson)

“But yeah, it’s great to see him in there [the racing car], and that he was keen to get in because it’s not an easy thing to get in and out of by any means, particularly when you’re 6ft 4in.

“For him to be so open to doing that with everyone around is not a small ask, but he was really keen.

“His interaction with António and António being able to tell him about his world, whilst the Prince is behind the steering wheel, is awesome.”

The headquarters, located in Kidlington, showcases the team’s approach to electrification, innovation and sustainability.

After arriving this morning (Thursday, April 23), the Prince of Wales toured the trophy room and spoke to technicians and staff.

PRINCE WILLIAM IN OXFORDSHIRE

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Prince William also met with drivers and tried out the cockpit of a Formula E racing car onsite.

The royal then spoke with young graduates about their journey to Jaguar as well as their experience at the Oxfordshire base so far.

Having spent over an hour at the facility, His Royal Highness departed, wishing the spot well and saying his goodbyes.

The royal visit comes just weeks after his father, King Charles III, visited Oxfordshire in the nearby village of Yarnton.