The Home Secretary, Priti Patel, has signed a partnership with Rwanda, which will see asylum seekers who come to the UK illegally, for example via dangerous Channel crossings, transferred to Rwanda where the new U.K. procedures for such asylum claims will be conducted.
The new agreement will provide funding to support operations, accommodation and integration, similar to the costs incurred in the UK – helping Rwanda to process asylum claims.
Operational command over small boats crossings in the English Channel will now be held by the Ministry of Defence, supported with £50 million of new funding for new boats, aerial surveillance, and military personnel. This builds on the existing taskforce of patrol vessels, Wildcat helicopters, search and rescue aircraft, drones and remotely piloted aircraft.
Commenting, Richard Fuller MP said:
This is a root and branch reform of Home Office policies that have proven ineffective in tackling the criminal gangs that profit from illegal migration.
In future, these criminal gangs will not be able to trade a future in the U.K. for money but instead will see asylum being granted in Rwanda.
No reform package can guarantee success and I have been critical of past policies but I applaud the Home Secretary for her bold approach and believe we should see if these measures can be effective.
At the heart of this approach is fairness so that access to the UK asylum system is based on need, not ability to pay people smugglers. The demands on the current system, the cost to the taxpayer, and the flagrant abuses are increasing. The government will continue to support those directly fleeing oppression, persecution and tyranny through safe and legal routes, while deterring illegal entry to the UK and making it easier to remove those from the UK who have no right to be here.
A video recorded by the Home Secretary, explaining the changes, can be watched here.
