UK government unveils new legislation to address migrant crossings

The British government has unveiled the details of new legislation that aims to stop migrant crossings on the English Channel. The new law comes at a time when migrant crossings to the United Kingdom are at a high, as migrants are looking to claim asylum in the country.

The British government has unveiled the specifics of a proposal that aims to deter migrant crossings on the English Channel on small boats. The legislation would mean that any migrant boat coming to the UK would be ineligible for claiming asylum and would be turned away back to their home country or so-called safe third countries. The government said on the first page of its proposal, however, that it may not align with the UK’s obligations under the European Convention on Human Rights, meaning it could be challenged legally if it was made into law.

The legislation would also allow the detainment of migrants without bail until they can be removed, according to interior minister Suella Braverman, adding that those who enter the UK on small boats would not be allowed to invoke anti-slavery laws to try and block their removal.

Only children and people who are considered to be severely ill to fly or those at a “real risk of serious and irreversible harm” would be allowed to claim asylum in the UK. Data from the interior ministry showed that under two-thirds of migrants who arrive on small boats in the UK were currently granted asylum or some other form of humanitarian protection.

In 2022, the number of asylum claims in the UK hit almost 75,000, a 20-year-high but still below the European Union average. Germany received over 240,000 asylum applications last year.

British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has made stopping migrant crossings one of his top five priorities as he is under pressure from lawmakers of his own Conservative Party to address the long-running issue. In an interview with the Daily Mail published on Sunday, Sunak said those who enter the UK illegally would not be allowed to stay.

“Make no mistake, if you come here illegally, you will not be allowed to stay,” said Sunak.