As an MP for a Channel constituency, I entirely agree with you that that the number of small boat crossings is unacceptable. As we once again reach the summer months, I am all too aware of the increasing reports of migrants attempting to cross the Channel.
Having written to the Home Secretary previously, she has reassured me that, in order to secure a long-term solution for the UK, there are plans afoot to make this route unviable.
I understand that you feel that the current asylum regime is open to abuse. I agree that the system is too inflexible and rigid. I also appreciate the frustration felt by many across the country regarding the vexatious claims in the asylum system.
I welcome the fact that at the heart of the New Plan for Immigration is the simple principle of fairness. I agree with the Home Secretary that access to the UK’s asylum system should be based on need, not on the ability to pay people smugglers.
I know many of constituents have felt that if an individual illegally enters the UK via a safe country where they could have claimed asylum, they are not seeking refuge from imminent peril but are picking the UK as a preferred destination over others.
Therefore, for the first time, whether an individual has entered the UK legally or illegally will have an impact on how their asylum claim progresses, and on their status in the UK if that claim is successful. Those who succeed with claims having entered illegally will receive a new temporary protection status rather than an automatic right to settle, will be regularly reassessed for removal from the UK, will have limited family reunion rights and will have no recourse to public funds except in cases of destitution.
I am pleased that the Government has introduced the Nationality and Borders Bill, which is the cornerstone of the New Plan for Immigration. This Bill introduced fundamental reforms so that those who enter the UK illegally will find it harder to stay. I will closely monitor its progress through Parliament.
Furthermore, I completely understand your concerns regarding the high number of migrants crossing the channel at this time. Collaboration with France is clearly essential, and I do welcome the fact that the French authorities are stopping boats from coming to the UK. However, the numbers crossing are still unacceptable and therefore I will continue to push the Government to ensure that both UK and French authorities take action on all fronts.
The decision in November last year to increase police patrols on French beaches has made a difference. The move has prevented 8,000 people and 500 boats crossing the Channel, and so far, this year, the French have prevented twice as many crossings as in 2020. However, clearly there is more to do given the increasing numbers attempting to cross the Channel illegally, partly as a result of the success in closing down other illegal routes. As you may be aware, a new agreement has been reached between the UK and France to tackle this issue. I particularly welcome the doubling of French police officers patrolling French beaches as a result of this agreement. In addition, enhanced surveillance technology including drones, radar equipment, optronic binoculars and fixed cameras will allow the French police to be more efficient in their searches and in turn ensure officers are deployed to the right place at the right time to stop these dangerous and unnecessary crossings. It is also promising that both the UK and French governments are thinking ahead and boosting border security at ports in Northern and Western France to make sure that the illegal migration threat does not shift towards freight traffic.
It is welcome that action is being taken to support migrants into appropriate accommodation in France to prevent criminal gangs taking advantage and ensuring migrants can be supported and advised on asylum claims in a safe third country, as France is.
I hope you can see from this response that the Government is taking firmer action to stop these crossings. I am encouraged by this work but will push the Government to continue to act fast to make this route unviable and end the cruel and dangerous people smuggling between France and the UK.