Tories pushing for tougher migration bill could make ‘tactical retreat’

Hardliners may instead lobby for a commitment in next manifesto to use as a dividing line with Labour

Conservatives who want to railroad through measures to curb small boat crossings by pulling the UK out of the European convention on human rights (EHRC) could make a “tactical retreat” and instead lobby for a commitment in the party’s next manifesto.

Some of those who put their name to a rebel amendment to the illegal migration bill, which is due to go through its final parliamentary stages next Tuesday, told the Guardian a climbdown was possible.