A Pragmatic Approach to Immigration and Asylum Policy in the UK

Strategic Insights -

The UK has finally established a reciprocal, legal framework for returning individuals who arrive across the Channel to continental Europe, marking a significant development in immigration policy. This new UK-France treaty, signed as part of a broad cooperation agreement, aims to deter individuals from making the perilous crossing by creating a "one-in, one-out" principle, where for each person returned to France, the UK will admit one asylum seeker from France through a controlled and legal route. The success of this initiative, however, depends on its ability to be scaled up and embedded in a wider framework of cooperation, with swift and fair decision-making and enforcement.

Key Takeaways:

  • The UK-France treaty establishes a "one-in, one-out" principle for returning individuals who arrive across the Channel to continental Europe, with the UK admitting one asylum seeker from France for each person returned.
  • The treaty aims to deter individuals from making the perilous crossing by providing a safe and legal alternative.
  • The success of this initiative depends on its ability to be scaled up and embedded in a wider framework of cooperation, with swift and fair decision-making and enforcement.
  • The UK's asylum success rate is higher than that of many European neighbours and raises questions about whether the country is applying the 1951 Refugee Convention's criteria rigorously and consistently.
  • The need for deterrence must be balanced by safe and legal alternatives, such as expanding and exploring new options for asylum applications.
  • The UK should also strengthen efforts with other countries of origin and transit to speed up removals and reduce absconding.
  • Integration is a critical aspect of immigration policy, and a plan for housing, language, and employment should be included in any serious strategy.
  • The Home Office should be responsible for overseeing community and race relations to align admission policies with integration and social cohesion.
  • Local authorities require proper resourcing to succeeded in integration efforts, with the national government playing a hands-on role.

Statistics:

  • Over 30,000 people arrived in the UK via small boats last year.
  • Just 50 individuals per week may be returned under the pilot phase of the UK-France treaty.
  • The 2016 EU-Turkey agreement saw a 97 per cent reduction in crossings from Turkey to Greece.
  • The UK's asylum success rate is higher than that of many European neighbours.
  • A similar agreement between the UK and other European countries could help determine where an asylum claim should be processed and reduce duplication and delay.

Sources:

  • Byline: Timothy Kirkhope
  • Former Immigration Minister (1995-97)
  • https://theconservative.com
  • 2016 EU-Turkey agreement
  • 1951 Refugee Convention