The Government is reportedly in negotiations with French ministers over a scheme which would see Britain return illegal migrants who cross the Channel in exchange for agreeing to accept migrants seeking family reunion in the UK.
But even with the details of the plan unknown, the framework has faced criticism from experts and human rights organizations.
“Every initiative considered by Labour and its Tory predecessors has obsessed on deterrents and border security, and ultimately every single one has failed.”
She told Sky News: “I can confirm that there are discussions ongoing with the French government about how we stop this appalling and dangerous trade in people that’s happening across the English Channel.”
Labour has pledged “fast-track reforms” to the asylum system, including “an enforcement unit and a returns agreement with the EU”.
The French government has already agreed to deploy “a new elite unit of officers at the coast”, launch a special intelligence unit, increase police numbers, as well as introduce “new powers for the French authorities to intervene in shallow waters”, the Home Office said.
Labour ‘falling into Tories’ trap’
The Government could face complex challenges similar to those that plagued Rishi Sunak’s administration over its failed Rwanda policy, charities argue.
Just as Sunak’s Rwanda plan collapsed under judicial scrutiny, widespread criticism, and practical implementation issues, Starmer’s approach may also face resistance from human rights groups, legal experts, and European partners – and some have already voiced concerns.
Care4Calais has worked with the Public and Commercial Services Union (PCS), representing civil servants, to develop a “workable” alternative plan for safe crossings that would operate “on similar processes to the Ukrainian visa scheme, and would end Channel crossings overnight”, Smith said.
“I really think if this government is to avoid falling into the trap and making the same mistakes that the Conservatives did, they really need to look at actually expanding the number of safe routes for refugees with clear family ties in the UK to get here,” Beales said.
‘Parallels’ with the Rwanda policy
Laura Smith, the co-head of the legal team for another UK-based charity, The Joint Council for the Welfare of Immigrants, said the British public perhaps “doesn’t realise that many people do have bad experiences in France, particularly for those asylum seekers who’ve made the Channel Crossing”.
“These processes may sound good in the headlines, but they don’t really work. They’re very harmful from a human point of view, from a financial point of view.”
“I don’t think it is clear that they have learned any lessons from the Rwandan programmes they’re seeking to forget,” she said.
The Conservatives said Labour’s decision to scrap the Rwanda deportation agreement last year had removed a deterrent to illegal immigration.
Read More Details
Finally We wish PressBee provided you with enough information of ( The major hurdle that threatens ‘one in, one out’ deal to stop small boats )
Also on site :