PM to outline plan to stop small boat migrant crossings
A new law is set to go before Parliament on Tuesday aimed at introducing tough new measures to deter migrants from entering the UK on small boats.
The Illegal Migration Bill will impose strict measures such as detaining and deporting anyone who enters the UK illegally and stopping them from claiming asylum or returning to the UK in the future.
PM Rishi Sunak and Home Secretary Suella Braverman have defended the proposals, while Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer has criticised the plans as “unworkable.”
Under the new law, the home secretary’s “duty to remove” will take precedence over an individual’s right to claim asylum, with certain exceptions.
The law will apply retrospectively, putting those who enter the UK illegally after Tuesday at risk of deportation.
The new laws are expected to strain the UK’s commitment to the European Convention on Human Rights and the UN’s Refugee Convention – which currently give rights to asylum seekers arriving in the UK.
The government plans to deport those arriving illegally to Rwanda or a “safe” third country, regardless of their country of origin.
Backlash to new bill
The new legislation has drawn widespread criticism from opposition figures and refugee groups who argue that it rehashes ineffective plans for the past.
But PM Sunak argues the plans will deter people smugglers and sends a clear message that illegal entry will not be tolerated.
Braverman has said she believes the new law is necessary to ensure fairness and prevent queue jumping.
The prime minister is planning to meet with French president Emmanual Macron to talk about future plans to reduce boat crossings.
