Home Secretary announces major new plans to tackle illegal Channel crossings

THE Home Secretary, Priti Patel has announced bold new measures to tackle “illegal crossings” in the Channel as part of the Government’s “New Plan for Immigration”. The announcement follows the introduction of the Australian-style points immigration based system in January. 

The New Plan for Immigration has three main objectives:

1. Firstly, to increase the fairness and efficacy of our system so that the UK can better protect and support those in genuine need of refuge.

1. Secondly, to deter illegal entry into the UK, thereby breaking the business model of people smuggling networks and protecting the lives of those they endanger.

1. Thirdly, to remove more easily from the UK those with no right to be here.

Harlow’s MP, Robert Halfon, welcomed the announcement by saying: “We have taken back control of our borders with a new Australian-style points based system, which means we will have fair immigration that is fair to the taxpayer. 

“Many residents have contacted me about illegal crossings in the Channel and this new plan will tackle the problem head on.”

Commenting, Home Secretary Priti Patel said: “Under our New Plan for Immigration, if people arrive illegally, they will no longer have the same entitlements as those who arrive legally, and it will be harder for them to stay.

“If, like over 60 percent of illegal arrivals, they have travelled through a safe country like France to get here, they will not have immediate entry into the asylum system – which is what happens today.

“And we will stop the most unscrupulous abusing the system by posing as children, by introducing tougher, more accurate age assessments.

“Profiteering from illegal migration to Britain will no longer be worth the risk, with new maximum life sentences for people smugglers.

“I make no apology for these actions being firm, but as they will also save lives and target people smugglers, they are also undeniably fair.”