New law to prevent unauthorized Channel crossings set out

• The new Illegal Migration Bill grants the home secretary the power to detain.
• And remove those arriving illegally taking precedence over their right to claim asylum.
• The UK’s approach to immigration is “robust and novel” and compatible with international law.

The home secretary recently announced the introduction of a new law to prevent unauthorized Channel crossings.

According to Suella Braverman, the measures would “halt the boats… bringing tens of thousands to our shores” and relieve the strain on the overburdened asylum system.

Those who enter the UK illegally will be deported and prohibited from leaving again, according to the legislation.

The number of asylum requests will also be capped.

The law was dubbed a “con that risks escalating the instability” by Labor.

Shadow home secretary Yvette Cooper said: “We need serious action to stop dangerous boat crossings, which are putting lives at risk and undermining border security. Instead, today’s statement is groundhog day.”

Last year, more than 45,000 persons crossed the English Channel to reach the UK, up from about 300 in 2018.

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has ranked halting small boats as one of his top five priorities because the administration thinks it is a crucial issue for voters.

Speaking in the Commons, Ms. Braverman said 100 million people throughout the world may qualify for protection under current UK regulations – and “they are coming here”.

She listed the following powers granted by the new Illegal Migration Bill:

• A duty on the home secretary to detain and remove those arriving in the UK illegally, to Rwanda or a “safe” third country – this will take legal precedence over someone’s right to claim asylum.
Advertisement
• Migrants would not be granted bail or able to seek judicial review for the first 28 days of detention.
• Under-18s, those medically unfit to fly, or at risk of serious harm in the country they are being removed to would be able to delay removal.
• Any other asylum claims will be heard remotely after removal.
• A cap on the number of refugees the UK will settle through “safe and legal routes” – set by Parliament.
• People removed from the UK would be blocked from returning, or seeking British citizenship in future.
• The law would apply retrospectively, with anyone arriving illegally from Tuesday at risk of deportation.
Advertisement

The new rule, according to Ms. Braverman, will drastically reduce the amount of obstacles now being faced by removing the ability of illegal immigrants to rely on modern slavery laws to delay their expulsion.

Although this claim has been refuted, she has previously stated that she thinks individuals trying to remain in the UK have misused laws against human trafficking.

The home secretary informed lawmakers that she was unable to “make a definitive assertion of compatibility” regarding the Human Rights Act and her proposals.

But she said the UK’s approach was “robust and novel” adding: “I am confident that this bill is compatible with international law.”

Also Read

UK and France updates their Channel migration pact

The funds will be used to boost beach surveillance in France, and...