How deadly crossings could be stopped
WHAT are the potential solutions to the Channel migrant crisis?
1. British boots on the ground in France
The Government has repeatedly offered Border Force and police officers for joint patrols on French beaches. It would make it easier to monitor the 124-mile stretch of coast from which dinghies set sail.
Likelihood?
French politicians insist the idea breaches their sovereignty but Boris Johnson has this week urged them to agree to the idea.
2. France agreeing to take back migrants
Tory backbenchers say the best way to destroy the smuggling gangs’ business model would be to show that any migrants who make it across quickly find themselves back in France. Requires a new post-Brexit returns agreement with the French.
Likelihood?
France has so far shown no sign of wanting to agree a new returns deal with the UK.
3. Asylum claims being processed offshore
Another policy popular with Tory MPs, who believe Australia reduced asylum seeker numbers with a tough stance of detaining migrants on a remote island while their claims were examined. But it would prove costly and open to legal challenge.
Likelihood?
Rests on ministers persuading an overseas government to agree to the plan. So far they have looked at everywhere from Ascension Island to the Isle of Man and Albania.
4. Boats being turned back at sea
The ‘pushback’ tactic was announced by Priti Patel in September. Border Force officers have been trained in the exercise, which would see them surround a dinghy on jet skis, block its path then shepherd it back to France. It has not yet been used.
Likelihood?
The risks of flimsy, overcrowded inflatables being turned round in the busy English Channel may mean Border Force captains will never consider it safe to attempt.
5. Making it harder to claim asylum in Britain
Under the flagship Nationality and Borders Bill, a twin-track asylum system will see those who arrive across the Channel deemed illegal with fewer rights than those who come by legal, safe routes.
Likelihood?
The new law should be passed given the Government’s majority in the Commons but once it comes into force, attempts to restrict asylum seekers’ rights will be challenged in the courts by human rights lawyers.