A Major Blow to Rishi Sunak's Stop the Boats Mission
A major deal aimed at sending illegal migrants back to Turkey has collapsed after officials from the Home Office declared the Nato member state as "unsafe." The collapse of this deal is a significant blow to Rishi Sunak's mission to stop the influx of migrant boats.
Concerns Over Turkey's Human Rights Record
The Home Office officials expressed concerns about Turkey's human rights record, which ultimately led to the collapse of the migrant returns deal. The ministers were desperate to establish a similar deal with Turkey, as they had done with Albania, due to the increase in the number of dinghies arriving from Ankara.
Surge in Illegal Migrants from Turkey
In 2023, there was a 162% rise in the number of illegal migrants arriving on British shores from Turkey compared to the previous year. A total of 3,000 illegal migrants made this perilous journey. The Home Office document described Turkey as "a state that does not meet the criteria of being 'generally safe'." It criticized Turkey's use of anti-terrorism laws and highlighted the lack of an independent court system.
UK's Commitment to Tackling Illegal Migration
The Home Office spokesman emphasized the importance of international cooperation in tackling illegal migration and highlighted the close strategic partnership between the UK and Turkey. The UK will seek to return individuals who have no legal right to be in the country, while also considering protection claims on an individual basis according to international obligations.
Increase in Small Boat Crossings
The latest figures show a 13% increase in small boat crossings compared to the same time last year. In January alone, 1,335 illegal migrants arrived on British shores, surpassing the figure from the previous year. On a single day this week, 278 migrants crowded into six dinghies to cross the English Channel.
PM's Commitment to Stop the Boats
Despite the challenges, Downing Street reiterated the Prime Minister's commitment to stopping the influx of migrant boats. They acknowledged the variations in the number of crossings and emphasized the ongoing work with French counterparts to address the issue.
