May wants to change human rights laws to combat terror threats

Theresa May has said that she is willing to tear up human rights laws in order to combat the threat of terror attacks in the UK, in a last-ditch attempt to convince voters ahead of Thursday's election.

Britain has been on the receiving end of three serious terror incidents in London and Manchester in recent months which have left dozens dead, and security has merged as a major issue ahead of tomorrow's vote.

The Conservative government has been criticised for cuts to anti-terrorism units in the country’s police forces, and during a campaign speech in Slough on Tuesday May said she would take action if her party was returned.

May said she would consider changing the UK's human rights laws, as well as making it easier for authorities to deport those suspected of having links to terrorism.

"I mean longer prison sentences for those convicted of terrorist offences. I mean making it easier for the authorities to deport foreign terrorist suspects back to their own countries," May said.

The Conservative government has been criticised for cuts to anti-terrorism units

"And I mean doing more to restrict the freedom and movements of terrorist suspects when we have enough evidence to know they are a threat, but not enough evidence to prosecute them in full in court.

"And if our human rights laws get in the way of doing it, we will change the law so we can do it."

Last Saturday's attack on London Bridge, which left seven dead and 48 injured, appears to be the last straw for May, following the previous attacks at a pop concert in Manchester and another near Westminster earlier this year.

While the Conservative manifesto has committed the party to remaining part of the European Convention on Human Rights, some have suggested that they may seek derogations from the bill.