igants crossing the Channel will face a ban on seeking asylum in Britain according to plans announced by the Minister of Internal Affairs.
At the Conservative Party At the conference, Suella Braverman used her first major speech since taking on the role to set out the proposals.
The new laws – going beyond the Nationality and Borders Act that came into force in June – will impose a blanket ban on anyone deemed to be illegally entering the UK to seek refuge.
The announcement marks the last effort of the Government to curb the growing number of Channel Crossings following its flagship policy of sending migrants on a one-way ticket to Rwanda stranded amid legal challenges.
More than 33,500 people have arrived in the UK so far this year following the journey of France.
Ms Braverman said at the Birmingham conference: “We have to stop the boats crossing the Channel. This has taken way too long.
“But I have to be honest with you: there are no quick fixes and the problem is chronic.”
She said the law “just doesn’t work” and that the legislation has been “abused” by people smugglers, people making “multiple, undeserved and last-minute claims” and – targeting lawyers – by “specialized small boat-hunting law firms”, adding: “This cannot go on.”
“Conference, I promise you today that I will push for legislation to make it clear that the only route into the UK is a safe and legal route… So if you are intentionally entering the UK illegally from a safe country, you should be quick returned to your home country or moved to Rwanda. Your asylum application will be processed there.”
Campaigners denounced the plan as further “attacks” on “real refugees” and labeled them a “blatant violation” of Britain’s international obligations under the Refugee Convention.
Clare Mosley, founder of refugee organization Care4Calais, said the proposal was “barbaric and unnecessary”, while claiming the government’s rhetoric about canal crossings was “simply incorrect”.
“There is a mountain of evidence that the vast majority are genuine refugees; this criminalization of them is a blatant victimization charge of incredibly vulnerable people just to make headlines.
“Those who have escaped the worst horrors in this world should not risk their lives again simply to apply for asylum in the UK. The obvious answer is to give them safe passage. This would break the human traffickers model and save lives.
“If this government really wanted to stop small boat crossings, it would provide safe passage for those who have viable asylum applications.”
Refugee Action chief executive Tim Naor Hilton said: “It is now clear that this Home Secretary only cares about keeping people out, not keeping them safe.
“Banning those crossing the Channel to seek asylum is a blatant violation of the international refugee laws that the UK was proud to help create in the first place.”
Steve Valdez-Symonds, Amnesty International UK’s director of refugee and migrant rights, warned that declaring the country an “asylum-free zone would make the UK a beacon of illegality” and that the government’s behavior “was seriously damaging the international reputation of the UK”.
Steve Crawshaw, director of policy and advocacy at Freedom from Torture, said the “inhumane schemes clearly undermine international rules introduced after the Holocaust to ensure that no one fleeing persecution is denied protection for the way they are treated.” arrive in a country.”
Enver Solomon, chief executive of the Refugee Councilcalled the proposals “deeply disturbing and out of step with the majority of the public who support giving protection to refugees”.
State her intention to ensure that UK immigration policy is not “derailed” by modern slavery laws, the Human Rights Act or the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR), she also said she would “work closely with the French to get more out of our partnership”.
Ms Braverman told delegates she would allow “the kind of immigration that makes our economy grow,” but said: “We’ve all heard pledges and promises, but this issue is complex and deep-seated. And there are many forces working against us.” .
“The PvdA will try to stop this. The Lib Dems will go crazy. The Guardian will have a meltdown.
“As for the lawyers. Don’t get me started on the lawyers. And I am a recovering lawyer.”
In a conclusion that led to two standing ovations, cheers and applause from the audience, she pledged her “total and undeniable and unbridled and unquestioning commitment to do what it takes,” adding, “It’s time to bring the small boats to life.” to tackle – no ifs, no but.”
Conservative former head whip Andrew Mitchell said her plan would only work if the UK strikes a deal with France, telling BBC Radio 4’s World at One program that Ms Braverman has “explained the extremely difficult relationship that existed between Boris (Johnson) and chairman Macron.”
Channel crossings continued on Tuesday after the Ministry of Defense (MoD) registered 541 arrivals in nine boats on Monday. In September 7,961 made the crossing to the United Kingdom.
Prime Minister Liz Truss told GB News it wanted to “look at more deals outside of Rwanda” and that the policy “worked”.
Earlier on Tuesday, at a fringe event at the conference, Ms Braverman said she “would love to claim victory here. I’d love to have a front page of the Telegraph with a plane taking off for Rwanda. That’s my dream, that’s my obsession.”
It would be “great” if the first flight could leave before Christmas, she said, but added: “To be honest, I think it will take longer.”
Appearing at the Chopper’s Politics podcast, she said her “ultimate goal” would be to reduce net migration to tens of thousands, but declined to set a target for the next election.