here is “no clear evidence” of the government’s plan to send migrants to Rwanda will deter channel crossings, according to MPs.
The Commons Home Affairs Committee accused ministers of chasing “radical new policies that could make good headlines” but doing little to stop the flow of people attempting the perilous journey.
It warned that “quick-fix solutions” will not address the crosswalks, as it advocated an asylum system that “tackles reality”.
The (government’s) deterrent policy of sending asylum seekers to Rwanda seems to have gone unnoticed by those trying to cross the Channel
The committee’s report states: “Much more clarity is needed on the new plan to relocate some migrants from the UK to Rwanda. There is no clear evidence that the policy will deter the crossing of migrants.”
MPs shouted the Government to prove the deal will deter border crossings and to disclose “detailed costs” to back up suggestions, the move will cut the current £1.5bn asylum system bill, as they warned: “Some argue the UK is also at reputational risk from appearing to be washing his hands of his international obligations.”
So far this year, more than 14,000 migrants have made the 20-mile journey, navigating the world’s busiest shipping lanes from France in small boats such as dinghies, preliminary government figures show. The total for 2022 is estimated at 60,000.
At least 166 people were killed or missing trying to make the crossing, including 27 in one day last year.
The military has been in control of the Canal Operation since April, but this will be reviewed in January.
The committee’s investigation revealed:
– The government’s response to the crisis, which was characterized by “inattention and poor decision-making”, had exacerbated the problems and “undermined public confidence” in the asylum system and border control. The “perceived reluctance” of the French government to find a solution has not helped the situation;
– It was “right” to drop plans to reduce migrants at sea, as it was difficult to see how the benefits of the tactic would outweigh “the potential costs in terms of risk to migrants’ lives and officials and damage to the UK’s reputation’;
– The “greatest deterrent” to crossing the Channel would be to prevent them from “ever leaving France”;
– Attempts to negotiate return agreements with EU states to return migrants to safe countries have “completely failed” in the wake of the UK’s departure from the Dublin Regulation when free movement ended;
– A “disturbing trend” in Home office announcements are made before “detailed policies have been worked out, tested, or even agreed between government departments”.
The research advised:
– The government is negotiating with France to introduce further preventive measures on the continent and set up UK asylum assessment centers there so that there is a “safe and legal route for those who can successfully apply for asylum in the UK;
– “Urgent” measures are being taken to address the unknown number of unaccompanied migrant children who have gone missing, sometimes disappearing permanently, from hotels;
– The Ministry of Interior shows what steps it will take to protect the well-being of those sent to Rwanda and conducts research to inform future policy on why migrants are making the dangerous crossing because there is “no reliable data”;
– Ministers and officials are “refocusing” their efforts on concluding return agreements with EU countries.
Commission President Dame Diana Johnson said: “The (government’s) deterrent policy of sending asylum seekers to Rwanda seems to have gone unnoticed by those trying to cross the Channel.”
Policy development has “moved away from evidence-based, tested and cost-effective solutions that respond to the changing demands placed on them,” she said, adding: “Instead, we are looking for radical new policies that may make headlines, but that little to stop the flow of people willing to risk their lives to reach the UK by any means necessary.
“The UK needs an asylum system that can deal with reality. It must be fair and efficient and recognize the UK’s international obligations.”
Enver Solomon, chief executive of the Refugee Council, welcomed the report and urged the next prime minister to “reconsider immediately and focus on the workable alternatives that – contrary to the rhetoric – are readily available.”
A spokesperson for the Home Office said: “There is no panacea to tackle the global migration crisis facing the world, but we must do everything we can to fix the broken asylum system in the UK.
“Our new immigration plan will deliver the largest package of reforms in decades, enabling us to support people in real need while preventing illegal and dangerous travel to the UK and breaking the business model of despicable people smugglers.”