Government's new Bill to stop Channel crossings will not work

The Government are expected to publish a new Bill this week, with the aim of stopping people crossing the Channel to seek asylum. The Government hopes to ban anyone who arrives across the Channel from seeking asylum.

Our statement in response:

Beth Gardiner-Smith, CEO at Safe Passage International: “The Government’s plans are not only morally bankrupt, they are completely unworkable and will not stop refugees from risking their lives to seek safety here. This is more of the same failed approach - trying to ban refugees from seeking asylum here - yet all we have seen is more tragic loss of life and more people forced into dangerous journeys.  

“These plans will lead to tens of thousands of refugees being detained across the country, left in limbo and misery, including the unaccompanied children and families we work with.  

“If the Prime Minister was really serious about preventing dangerous journeys and breaking the smugglers’ business model, he would focus on opening safe routes for refugees to help them reunite with family and to seek safety here.”