The number of small boat crossings in the UK has exceeded 18,000 this year, with the second busiest week of people making the dangerous journey. This comes as Prime Minister Rishi Sunak faces increasing pressure to take action to fulfill his promise of stopping the boats. In the past week alone, 1,909 individuals have arrived by boat.
Increasing Numbers
The calm seas and warmer weather have made this week a target for migrants to cross the treacherous stretch of water. Despite introducing new laws to make it easier to prevent migrants from staying in the UK, a staggering 25,000 people have made the journey since Prime Minister Sunak took office in November last year. Hundreds of migrants are now making the perilous journey every day.
Government Response
Downing Street has claimed that the numbers are lower than last year and their plans to deter crossings are working. They have also established deals to send migrants back to countries such as Albania as a deterrent. The new small boats law, which came into effect on March 7, stipulates that anyone arriving after that date does not have the right to settle in the UK.
Cost of Housing Migrants
However, a recent report warns that the cost of housing migrants in hotels could reach £5 billion annually if the boat crossings are not stopped. Experts fear that the backlog of migrants needing long-term accommodation and support will become permanent. The think tank Institute for Public Policy Research (IPPR) warns that the migrant crisis will worsen by the next General Election, which is scheduled to take place by January 2025.
Legal Challenges
The current policy of flying asylum-seekers to Rwanda for processing is on hold pending a court ruling on its legality. There are also concerns about the practicality of transporting a significant number of individuals to Rwanda even if the policy is approved.
Incoming Challenges
Marley Morris, a representative from the IPPR, states that "under most plausible scenarios, arrivals will still outpace removals," even if the policy is implemented. This would result in a growing population of individuals in limbo, placing significant strain on the Home Office's accommodation and support systems. Morris predicts that any future government would face a costly and challenging situation.
Sunak's Response
Prime Minister Rishi Sunak acknowledges that small boat crossings are still lower this year compared to last year, but he emphasizes the need to put an end to the crisis. He admits that solving this problem will not happen overnight and is a complex challenge.
Did you miss our previous article…
https://hellofaread.com/politics/lucy-letby-inquiry-could-become-statutory-to-ensure-justice-for-victims-families-says-no10/
