“No reason” for asylum seekers to travel from France to UK, says Patel

UK Home Secretary Priti Patel to tell Conservative supporters there is “no reason” for an asylum seeker to cross the Channel from France as she renews her vow to control the flow of small boats arriving in the UK.

In her speech at the Conservative Party conference on Tuesday, Priti Patel will say that she wants to end “these horrible journeys” by securing Britain’s borders.

“France is a safe country, which is not torn by war or conflict,” the minister is expected to declare at the Manchester conference.

“There is no reason for an asylum seeker to come to the UK directly from France.

“We make no apologies for securing our borders and exploring all possible options to save lives by ending these horrific journeys.”

Ms. Patel will argue that the crackdown on cross-Channel crossings will attack the “greed” of the smugglers who allow migrants to make their journey.

Since the start of the year, more than 17,000 migrants have made it to the UK, double the figure for 2020 as a whole.

PA data shows that since the start of last year, more than 25,000 people have risked death crossing the UK in canoes, kayaks and other small boats.

But despite the sharp increase in the number of boats arriving on the south coast, asylum claims in the UK fell in 2020 to 29,456 – significantly less than the 93,475 asylum claims lodged in France and the 121,955 lodged. in Germany.

The Minister of the Interior will say: “What is happening in the Channel with small boats is dangerous, unfair and unacceptable.

“From the vast camps outside Calais of mostly male economic migrants, to the shocking images of people crammed onto fragile boats crossing the Channel, exploited by smugglers – vile criminals characterized by cruelty and greed, who even threaten to drown little children to fill their pockets.

She will argue that it is “not unreasonable” that her immigration plan is based on control, saying: “Britain will be fair but firm”.

In her speech in the main hall, Ms Patel will also address the subject of violence against women and girls following the rape and murder of Sarah Everard, whose killer, Wayne Couzens, a police officer on duty at the time, was sentenced last week.

Ms Patel will say that the safety of citizens is “paramount” and that she will ensure that those who target women and girls “will feel the full force of the law”.

She will say, “I know all of our thoughts remain with Sarah Everard’s family and friends.

“Her murderer, whose name I refuse to repeat, was a monster.

“Her explicit intention was to instill fear and terror in women and girls. I say this as Minister of the Interior, but also as a woman.

“Such unacceptable crimes and acts of violence against women and girls have no place in our society. And that is why I have redoubled my efforts to make women and girls feel more secure. “

In comments already released, the Home Secretary will announce tighter powers to curb protests like Insulate Britain and Extinction Rebellion in which environmentalists have used direct action to shut down major transport networks in recent months.

Ms. Patel is preparing to announce an increase in maximum penalties for highway disruption while criminalizing interference with major highways, railways and the press.

The Home Office will also give police and courts new powers to deal with the “small minority of offenders” who “intend” to travel across the country in an attempt to “cause disruption and violence.” misery in our communities ”.

Update: October 4, 2021, 9:30 p.m.