UK lawmakers on Monday challenged the British government’s narrative that the controversial Rwanda deportation policy will deter asylum seekers, arguing instead that ‘no magical solution’ existed to irregular migration.
British MPs said no clear evidence” that its controversial policy to deport some asylum seekers to Rwanda would stop Channel crossings in small boats while the House of Commons Home Affairs Committee said “much more clarity” was needed on the plan, including how much it will cost.
Instead, the MPs urged ministers to look at less eye-catching solutions to the issue, including closer cooperation with European neighbours.
The Channel crossings have put Prime Minister Boris Johnson and his government under political pressure, given that they promised to tighten Britain’s borders after leaving the European Union.
More than 28,500 people – most of them young men – arrived in 2021. Some 13,000 have arrived already this year out of 60,000 expected this year. People make the journey because they are unable to take safe legal routes to the UK, where they must be in the country in order to claim asylum.
Most claim asylum but the government says the costs involved in the application process – more than £1.5 billion – are unsustainably high.
The first flight carrying asylum seekers was due to take off for Rwanda in mid-June but was grounded due to legal challenges.
The Home Affairs Committee said there was “no magical solution” to deal with irregular migration but said close cooperation with international partners, particularly those in France stood more chance of success in deterring Channel crossings.
Discover more from LN247
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
