Governments must acknowledge the fundamental reality that migrant workers don’t take jobs and benefits, but fill in essential labour needs
The government's Illegal Migration Act is facing a court challenge from the Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission (NIHRC) on the ground that it breaches the Windsor Framework.
The gangs running small boats into the UK have ‘never had it so good’ – and Brexit has played a large part. People smugglers claim Brexit ‘has played into their hands’.
Rishi Sunak has made stopping the small boats one of his top five priorities, but is he trying to solve a problem of their own making? / A report out from Durham University could make some awkward reading for prime minister Rishi Sunak.
Supporters of the European Convention on Human Rights must seize the moment and confront right-wing propaganda demanding the UK leaves it now - or risk a Brexit-style disaster, argues Kevin Maguire.
‘It would be Brexit part 2’: Why the Tories think another European referendum could save them
30/06/2023
The issue that is most worrying Tory MPs this week is small boats. “We’d be in the same club as Russia and Belarus,” says one minister. “It’s not a good idea.” It’s also the case that the ECHR is integral to the Good Friday Agreement. Such a move could lead to resignations.
Brussels commissioner says bill breaches convention, as legal experts warn of risk to Brexit trade deal.
Some 45,756 people are thought to have made the crossing in 2022. There were no recorded small boat crossings until 2018.
The rise in small boat crossings is not because of losing Dublin III arrangements after Brexit
17/02/2023
It is wrong to argue that the UK’s inability to return asylum seekers to the EU is driving the increase in the number crossing the Channel. / While there is evidence that Brexit is having an impact on small boat crossings, the migration data does not support Brooks’ analysis. Rather, it suggests that Brexit-related labour shortages with the potential for exploitation, is more significant.
'An absolute nightmare': Jersey refugee charities fear extra Brexit costs will end aid trips [2 mins]
10/01/2023
Each year, donations from the Channel Islands make their way across Europe to help some of the most vulnerable. / But Jersey charities say that Brexit has created an "absolute nightmare" of extra costs and added paperwork.
Significant housing and staffing problems in the tourism sector across the strath are the result of 10 years of hostile environment policy, MP Drew Hendry insists. / He has been meeting with local operators to discuss their plight, and has spoken this week about the difficulties tourism companies now face after Brexit.
Boris Johnson ‘shredding trust’ with three breaches of international law, former top diplomat warns
28/06/2022
Boris Johnson ‘shredding trust’ with three breaches of international law, former top diplomat warns.
A former top Rwanda diplomat forced into exile has attacked government claims that his country is safe to receive refugees from the UK – likening it to “a detention camp”.
Boris Johnson wrong to use Brexit to justify ‘morally delinquent’ Rwanda plan, says senior Tory
19/04/2022
‘We are better than this – or at least, we used to be’, says David Davis.
“Take Back Control meant Keep Them Out”: Alf Dubs on how Brexit “poisoned” the UK refugee response
17/03/2022
The Labour peer, who escaped to Britain as a child, condemns the “farce” of the UK’s visa rules for fleeing Ukrainians.
Brexit and Government hostility combine to make ‘bizarre and cruel’ system for Ukraine refugees, lawyer says
10/03/2022
Leading human rights barrister Usha Sood has condemned hostility to immigrants and Home Office bureaucracy for failing the most vulnerable victims of the Russian invasion.
Letter from detainees urges MPs not to back nationality and borders bill to be debated in parliament this week.
Former Brexit secretary David Davis says Priti Patel’s plans could foster a situation similar to notorious US detention camp.
Hastings RNLI lifeboat crew ‘blocked from going out to sea’ by people angry at them rescuing refugees
30/11/2021
The RNLI has confirmed an incident took place following claims Hastings RNLI lifeboat crew were blocked from going out to sea by people angry at them for rescuing refugees in the Channel.
France will not be ‘hostages to British domestic politics’, says interior minister.
“Everyone here is saying to me that because of Brexit it is much easier to find safety in the UK,” one refugee said.
Outside EU, people can no longer be returned to other European countries under legislation known as Dublin regulation.
Torture survivors and lone children stuck in Greece and Italy after Home Office ‘deliberately’ ends cooperation on family reunions. / “Before Brexit, there was a clear process for children to join their families in the UK, but since then the government has failed to communicate effectively with European authorities,” said Bethany Gardiner-Smith.
Stephen Delahunty reports on a lawsuit being brought before for the courts to consider the legality of the UK-Morocco Association Agreement
Priti Patel accused of breaking Geneva Convention with plans to deny asylum rights to refugees crossing Channel [2 mins]
24/03/2021
Home secretary admits she is yet to secure ‘safe legal routes’ promised as alternative to harsh measures.