When out in Hyndburn and Haslingden, I often hear concerns about illegal immigration, specifically the high number of people entering the UK across the Channel. This is not an issue of hostility but a legitimate worry about the volume of migration, especially through unsafe and illegal routes. In the year ending June 2023, 85% of those arriving by irregular routes did so via small boats - that is unsustainable.
The government's response, encapsulated in the Safety of Rwanda (Asylum and Immigration) Bill last week, aims to deter and prevent unlawful migration. The Bill, seeks to expedite the removal of illegal migrants to Rwanda. This is part of the UK-Rwanda Migration and Economic Development Partnership (MEDP), a treaty that ensures relocated individuals will be granted asylum or permanent residence in Rwanda. The UK Government has committed to funding the processing of these cases and providing a five-year integration package for those granted asylum.
Despite challenges, the government is proceeding with the policy. We need to do more as a country in deterring dangerous and illegal journeys to the UK and disrupting the business model of people smugglers. The new treaty commits Rwanda to process individual asylum cases in line with international standards, including the 1951 Refugee Convention and international human rights law.
In summary, the government is taking firm steps to address the immigration issue by focusing on ensuring the UK remains a welcoming place while maintaining sustainable immigration levels.
This Bill will be coming back to Parliament in January/February, and I would be grateful for the views of my constituents, who can fill out a survey below.
