Sunak to bar migrants who arrive illegally

Anyone arriving illegally in Britain will be prevented from staying, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said in an interview published Sunday, ahead of new legislation which is expected to be set out next week.

Under pressure from his own lawmakers to find a solution to the flow of migrants arriving in Britain across the channel from Europe, Sunak has made stopping small boats one of his five key priorities. More than 45,000 people made the perilous crossing last year.

“Make no mistake, if you come here illegally, you will not be able to stay,” Sunak told the Mail on Sunday newspaper. Under current practice, asylum seekers who reach Britain are often able to remain in the country to have their case heard.