Laws to “modernise the asylum and immigration system” will underpin the Government’s bid to launch a security border command, paid for by money saved from the scrapped multimillion-pound stalled Rwanda plan.
The Border Security, Asylum and Immigration Bill, announced in the King’s Speech, will establish the new Home Office unit, using counter-terror powers to fight organised immigration crime, documents detailing the plans said.
The Bill, which will apply across the UK if passed, will ensure “secure and stronger borders and a properly controlled and managed asylum system”, the Government vowed, as it repeated general promises to clear the asylum backlog, to end the use of hotel accommodation and increase “fast-track returns for individuals coming from safe countries”.
Building on Labour’s manifesto pledges, it said existing policies had “failed” to deter Channel crossings or prosecute the people smugglers responsible, and “our current asylum system is broken”.
Withdrawing from the “failed and incredibly costly Migration and Economic Development Partnership” to send migrants to Rwanda would save “over £100 million in future payments”, as well as “tens of millions of pounds” in additional relocation costs for a small number of people.
But there was no mention of answering calls from campaigners to repeal the Safety of Rwanda Act or Illegal Migration Act.
However, the Prime Minister’s spokesman later said: “We’re clear we will repeal the Safety of Rwanda Act, we will terminate the agreement.”
The document setting out the Bill suggests the Government will seek a “strong deterrent” against migrants crossing the Channel but stops short of detailing what this could be in the absence of the Rwanda deal.
It does indicate tougher penalties for immigration crime, including introducing offences such as “enabling the advertising (of) the services of a migrant smuggling group” or those for the “supply of materials needed to facilitate organised crime gangs”.
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer previously said the Rwanda deal was “dead and buried before it started” as Labour confirmed it was scrapping the deportation policy.
The arrangement is not thought to have yet formally ended and the cost to the UK Government of walking away early from the five-year deal is so far unknown.
The Rwanda government previously said it had “fully upheld its side of the agreement”.
Downing Street has since indicated no more cash would be sent to Rwanda.
Asked about an additional £100 million which had been due to go to the African nation as part of the previous Tory government’s asylum scheme, the Prime Minister’s spokesman told reporters: “Yes, we are clear that that money won’t be sent to Rwanda,” adding, “We’ve been very clear that the partnership with Rwanda has finished.”
Home Secretary Yvette Cooper is due to “provide an update shortly after she’s analysed all the details around both the money, the legislation and the processes”.
The Home Secretary’s update will also analyse “the existing legislation and how it interacts with the new legislation”, he said.
Launching the Border Security Command earlier this month, Ms Cooper described it as Labour’s first priority on migration, which was designed to crack down on people-smuggling gangs orchestrating the crossings.
A commander for the unit is expected to be appointed in the coming weeks.
It is unclear how this will differ from existing units already operating in the Home Office.
More than 1,000 migrants have arrived in the UK after crossing the Channel since Sir Keir became Prime Minister on July 5 and the Government has warned of a “difficult summer ahead”.
The total number of crossings for 2024 to date (14,759) is 12% higher than the number recorded this time last year (13,200) and up 1% on the same period in 2022 (14,622), according to PA news agency analysis of Government data.
The Refugee Council said the Government “must focus on getting the asylum system to function again, and that has to include repealing the Illegal Migration Act and the Safety of Rwanda Act as a matter of urgency”.
Ministers can cut the number of Channel crossings “immediately by expanding safe routes, including making it easier for more people to safely join their families in the UK”, the charity said, adding: “Now is the time for the new Government to work quickly and effectively to put in place a fair and effective asylum system, based on humanity and decency.”
Other proposed bills set out in the King’s Speech promised extra powers for police watchdogs and those tasked with fighting for better victims’ rights.
But no mention is made in the border Bill of expanding the remit of the chief inspector of immigration and borders, a post which remains vacant after David Neal was sacked earlier this year after publicly voicing concerns about security problems at airports.
Mr Neal had previously called for more powers to better scrutinise border security.
Meanwhile, it emerged a Home Office chief tasked with setting up a unit to tackle Channel crossings for ex-home secretary Suella Braverman has resigned, with the i newspaper reporting he made the announcement just days after Labour’s election victory.
The Home Office said: “Stuart Skeates is leaving his position of director general of strategic operations. This is a personal choice, and follows 35 years of distinguished public service in the Civil Service and military. The Home Office wishes him well for the future and is grateful for his outstanding contribution.”
Most Popular
Comments / 0