ALEX CHALK

ILLEGAL migration is one of the greatest challenges facing the world right now. Millions of people are on the move across the globe, often enabled by criminal gangs who exploit the vulnerable to line their own pockets.

These evil people smugglers couldn’t care less whether migrants crossing the Channel in small boats live or die – all they care about is making money.

Express readers know only too well of the huge pressure this puts on countries like ours, on our resources and public services. And it flies in the face of the laws that exist to protect our borders and keep our country safe.

We are a rule of law nation. And as a basic principle, there must be consequences for those who don’t play by the rules.

The UK isn’t alone in facing down this challenge. Tackling mass illegal migration is just one of the issues I’ve been discussing in Venice this week with other G7 justice ministers.

So many of the legal frameworks we rely on for peace and prosperity date back to World War II – a different world from the one we live in today.

Reality

But if the law – both at home and internationally – is to respond to 21st Century problems and help us to protect our borders, then it must be up to date, and tailored to present reality.

Now is the time, with our international partners, to have full and frank conversations about how we do that.

The UK is leading the way with our Rwanda plan. We’ve worked very carefully to make sure that what we’re doing is firmly within international law.

We are making clear once and for all that it is Parliament that should decide who comes to our country, not international criminal gangs.

Our Safety of Rwanda Act, now in force, will help to control our borders, deter people taking perilous journeys in small boats, and end the continuous legal challenges filling our courts.

And it’s no surprise that others are following our example – Italy has struck their own deal with Albania, while other European political leaders have publicly praised our approach.

We are a humane, welcoming nation, but it’s fair that everyone plays by the rules. It’s right that together, with our partners and allies around the world, we look at how international law works best. It must respond to the challenges we are facing here and now. Otherwise it risks being seen as a relic, frozen in time.