Britain on the Cusp of New Immigration Deal with France, But Will it Stop Small Boat Crossings?

Strategic Insights -

Britain's new immigration deal with France, aimed at stopping small boat crossings, is on the table, but it faces significant challenges. The deal, which includes a "one in, one out" rule, where migrants arriving by small boat would be sent back to France within weeks, has raised concerns about its effectiveness. Meanwhile, the Government is also exploring an alternative plan with a coalition of European countries to take back all small boat migrants. This proposal, which includes Britain setting up a visa application process in EU countries, aims to demonstrate that illegal crossings won't work, but critics argue it doesn't address the underlying issue of human rights laws.

Key Takeaways:

  • Over 18,000 small boat migrants have crossed the English Channel this year, putting Britain on course for record numbers.
  • The top countries for asylum seekers to Britain are Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Iran, where human rights law means they will likely never be sent home.
  • Plans to stop the use of asylum hotels have been put off until 2029, and current trends suggest it won't be implemented in the future.
  • The European Stability Initiative has presented an alternative plan to Britain, which involves a coalition of European countries taking back all small boat migrants in exchange for Britain taking a certain number of asylum seekers.
  • The proposed deal with France includes a "one in, one out" rule, which would send nearly every small boat migrant back to France within weeks.
  • Britain would still be taking asylum seekers but in significantly lower numbers under the proposed deal.

Statistics:

  • Over 18,000 small boat migrants have crossed the English Channel this year.
  • 80,000 asylum seekers are expected to be taken in under the proposed deal with European countries.
  • 20,000 asylum seekers are suggested to be taken in from European countries over a four-year period.
  • Britain has spent billions on asylum hotels, which are not expected to be stopped until 2029.

Sources:

  • European Stability Initiative
  • AFP News Agency
  • Home Office sources
  • European Union
  • European Stability Initiative, "European Stability Initiative", undated