Government’s Plan to Tackle Migrants and Asylum Seeker Accommodation in the UK – 20 August 2020
The UK government’s controversial plan to send asylum seekers to Rwanda despite a Supreme Court ruling against the policy has sparked outrage and concern among critics. The government’s focus on “stopping the boats” crossing the English Channel has led to a push for detaining and removing those arriving in the UK illegally to Rwanda or other “safe” third countries.
The plan includes provisions such as denying migrants bail and the ability to seek judicial review for the first 28 days of detention. Under-18s, those medically unfit to fly, or at risk of serious harm in the destination country will be able to delay departure. Additionally, the number of refugees settled through “safe and legal routes” is capped.
In a bid to bolster border security, the UK government has also signed a new agreement with France, committing £500m over three years to fund more patrol officers and a new detention center. The government hopes to save money by utilizing alternative forms of accommodation for asylum seekers, such as housing them on barges and in military bases across the country.
Critics, including the Refugee Council, argue that the government’s asylum proposals risk violating international law, particularly the 1951 Refugee Convention, which prohibits the return of refugees to countries where they face threats to life or freedom. Despite these concerns, the government remains steadfast in its approach, emphasizing the need to address the issue of illegal migration and asylum seekers in the UK.