UK asylum system is broken, Patel says, as she promises an overhaul
THE HOME Secretary says the UK’s asylum system is “fundamentally broken” and has promised to introduce a new one that is “firm and fair”.
In a speech at the Conservative Party conference, Priti Patel committed to delivering “the biggest overhaul of our asylum system in decades”.
Ms Patel said that under Tory leadership, the UK “has and always will provide sanctuary when the lights are being switched off on people’s liberties”.
She told those tuning into the online conference: “A fair asylum system should provide safe haven to those fleeing persecution, oppression or tyranny.
“But ours doesn’t. Because our asylum system is fundamentally broken. And we have a responsibility to act.”
Ms Patel said: “From the expulsion of Ugandan Asians from a repressive regime, to proudly resettling more Syrian refugees than any other EU country, to supporting campaigners fleeing political persecution in Hong Kong.
“Under Conservative leadership, the United Kingdom has and always will provide sanctuary when the lights are being switched off on people’s liberties.
“So, I will introduce a new system that is firm and fair. Fair and compassionate towards those who need our help. Fair by welcoming people through safe and legal routes. But firm because we will stop the abuse of the broken system.”
The Home Secretary went on to take aim at the tactics of Black Lives Matter and Extinction Rebellion protesters, as she criticised the “hooliganism and thuggery”.
Social media video clips showed police in Westminster having objects hurled at them by anti- racist campaigners earlier this year, while a statue of Sir Winston Churchill had to be boarded up to protect it from vandalism during the Black Lives Matter protests.
In Bristol, those taking to the streets as part of the protests, sparked by the death of George Floyd in the US, tore down a statue of Edward Colston, who made his wealth through the slave trade.
There was also widespread condemnation last month when Extinction Rebellion climate change protesters blockaded the printing presses of several newspapers.