The government’s efforts to address illegal immigration in the English Channel are on the verge of becoming law after overcoming challenges in the House of Lords. The Illegal Migration Bill prohibits those who enter the UK unlawfully from seeking asylum and mandates their deportation to their home country or a safe third country like Rwanda. The bill also includes provisions to prevent reentry into the UK. Despite opposition attempts to seek further concessions, including protections against modern slavery and limits on child detention, the government successfully defended its position. The Archbishop of Canterbury also withdrew his demand for a statement on addressing the refugee problem and human trafficking. The passing of the bill marks the end of parliamentary debates and allows for it to receive royal assent and become law.
Ministers have stressed the need for the bill to become law, citing the overwhelming number of small boat arrivals and the financial burdens on the asylum system. They argue that if people know they cannot remain in the UK, they would be discouraged from risking their lives and paying criminals to enter illegally. The bill aims to dismantle the business model of criminal gangs exploiting vulnerable individuals and create greater capacity to provide a safe haven for those facing war and persecution. Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has made stopping small boat crossings a priority after a record-breaking number of illegal immigrants crossed the Channel in 2022.
However, the government’s plan to deport illegal immigrants to Rwanda is facing resistance in the courts. The Court of Appeal declared the policy unlawful due to deficiencies in Rwanda’s asylum system and the risk of inhumane treatment upon return. Despite disagreements with the ruling, the government has been allowed to appeal the decision in the Supreme Court. Meanwhile, an accommodation barge has arrived at Portland Port in Dorset to house 500 illegal immigrants. The use of barges as a cost-effective alternative to hotel accommodations has been defended by Downing Street. Concerns have been raised by locals about using the Portland site for housing illegal immigrants. The first individuals are expected to board the barge later this month.