Labour's decision sparks fresh border row
Amid a fresh border row, the Labour government has announced that illegal migrants will soon be allowed to claim asylum in Britain. This move comes as the first small boats of Sir Keir Starmer’s premiership crossed today, with No10 preparing for a "challenging" summer in the Channel.
New Home Secretary vows to tackle criminal smuggler gangs
Britain’s new Home Secretary, Yvette Cooper, has scrapped the Conservatives’ Rwanda plan and instead plans to let migrants go through the asylum processing system to gain the right to stay. Cooper has also launched a Border Security Command taskforce to target criminal smuggler gangs, in a bid to strengthen border security.
Tory criticism and concerns over influx of illegal arrivals
However, Suella Braverman, Cooper's Tory predecessor, criticized the decision, referring to it as "more blah, blah, blah." Braverman warned that the UK could become an even bigger magnet for illegal arrivals, leading to a surge in numbers as borders potentially disintegrate.
Uncertainty over eligibility and potential impact
It remains unclear whether the new asylum policy will only apply to the backlog of over 50,000 migrants already in the UK or if it will also extend to future small boat arrivals. The current grant rate of 65% for asylum claims could result in tens of thousands being granted leave to remain in the country.
Border Force activities and scrutiny of the Rwanda scheme
Border Force was seen today escorting groups of migrants, wearing life jackets and wrapped in blankets, into Dover, Kent. Home Secretary Yvette Cooper has initiated an audit of the £290 million Rwanda scheme, questioning its effectiveness and hinting at potential changes in the future.
