New plans for those arriving by small boat
On behalf of the majority of my constituents, I am pleased that the Prime Minister and Home Secretary are bringing forward plans to make asylum claims by those arriving on small boats inadmissible and will introduce powers to detain and remove those who illegally enter from a safe country like France.
The media debate often conflates asylum, legal migration and those who come illegally from safe countries. It is important to separate these different elements.
The United Kingdom has a proud history of providing safe haven or asylum to those most in need. In the last 12 months alone, we have opened our doors to people from Afghanistan, Ukraine and Hong Kong. In 1951, Britain led the way in
forming the UNHCR Refugee Convention. No one can doubt the UK’S generosity of spirit. However, whilst the UK welcomes those fleeing the impacts of war through safe and legal routes, we cannot stand by as economic migrants in large numbers – overwhelmingly young males - cross the channel illegally in small boats. Even if their claims had merit, they are in essence jumping the queue ahead of women, girls and the elderly. When local services are already overstretched – and we are trying to protect our precious farmland and green gaps from overdevelopment – we cannot overlook the impact of migration which the ONS estimated to be 1.1 million in the year to June 2022.
It is also excellent news that the Government last week confirmed the South Downs National Park will benefit from £4.4 million of extra funding to support local services, including visitor centres and park rangers. It is clear statement of support for the environment and will help ensure that the beauty of the South Downs can continue to be enjoyed by generations to come.
This announcement also included good news for our farmers who will continue to benefit from the ‘Farming in Protected Landscapes’ scheme until March 2025.