When I came across this appalling news earlier, that the Tories now plan to take the UK out of the European Convention on Human Rights if they win the next election, my automatic reaction was to wonder where they plan to build the gas chambers for everyone the tories deem ‘useless eaters’? I was, of course, being rather facetious – I don’t actually think the Tories intend to exterminate anyone. Nonetheless, I think there is a grain of ugly truth at the bottom of that sentiment. The ECHR has guaranteed and safeguarded our human rights for decades. Without it we would all be defenceless, open to the most sickening manipulation and persecution. The rich and powerful would be able to do as they please with the vulnerable and weak; racism and intolerance would become commonplace, even lauded. It opens up the prospect of a future so hideous, so unjust, that it doesn’t bear thinking about. Thus, while the Tories might not go as far as creating execution camps, I seriously think taking us out of the ECHR would be a horrifying step in that direction.