We have failed to control borders, admits Braverman
BRITAIN has failed to control its borders Suella Braverman has said, as the Government braced for record migration figures today.
The Home Secretary said she was determined to “fix” the “crisis” as she signalled that a new “legal framework” will be unveiled after Christmas which is aimed at curbing the record 42,000 migrants who have illegally crossed the Channel in small boats so far this year.
Mrs Braverman previously admitted the system was “out of control” but went further yesterday, telling MPS: “We have failed to control our borders. That’s why I and the Prime Minister are absolutely determined to fix this problem.”
Her comments came ahead of today’s official figures on overall migration which experts have predicted will return to pre-brexit levels.
The Office for National Statistics will reveal net migration in the year to June has increased sharply on 2021’s total of 239,000 with experts saying they would “not be surprised” if it surpassed the record of 331,000 in 2015.
It stems from a surge in visas for foreign nationals to live, study and work in the UK, which exceeded one million for the first time in the year to June. The increase has also been fuelled by the arrival of Ukrainian and Afghan refugees and Hong Kongers, on top of a slump in the number of people leaving.
The figures will raise concerns over the Government’s election pledge to bring down net migration, a promise repeated by Rishi Sunak as Prime Minister and Mrs Braverman, who told Tory conference her ambition was to reduce it below 100,000.
The total is likely to be significantly higher than the 224,000 projected for next year by the Office for Budget Responsibility as part of last week’s Autumn Statement and the forecast steady decline to 205,000 a year.
It is understood, however, that Home Office ministers are pressing No10 on the need for measures to curb uneconomic legal migration in order to fulfil the Conservatives’ manifesto pledge.
These could include restrictions on the rights of students to bring in dependents, a crackdown on those who do not complete their courses but remain in the UK, and curbs on foreign students on “uneconomic” low-quality courses. The salary threshold for skilled workers could also be raised.
Yesterday, appearing before the Commons home affairs select committee, Mrs Braverman admitted the number of people crossing the Channel in small boats was a “crisis” but said there was no “quick fix”.