A recent report suggests that Keir Starmer’s strategy to combat Nigel Farage involves enhancing a repatriation agreement with France and reducing illegal small boat crossings by 75%.
Charles Clarke, a former Labour Home Secretary, has proposed a pragmatic and compassionate approach that the government should consider. Current polling indicates significant public support for admitting up to 50,000 asylum seekers in the UK under a ‘one in, one out’ policy.
Starmer is moving forward with an agreement brokered with French President Emmanuel Macron, which entails returning small boat arrivals in exchange for individuals with valid asylum claims.
Initially limited to 50 returns per week, there are plans to increase this number significantly, according to British Future. While the Home Office anticipates the first returns imminently, a temporary injunction from the High Court has temporarily halted one of the initial deportations.
A study by British Future suggests that expanding the asylum intake to handle up to 50,000 refugees in an organized manner across the Channel could garner public backing if part of a new agreement where France agrees to take back unauthorized crossers.
The report emphasized that this approach could significantly reduce the number of boat arrivals, labeling it as the Prime Minister’s most promising tactic. Drawing on Joe Biden’s success in reducing illegal crossings from Mexico by 81% within a year, it urged the UK government to aim for a 75% decrease in small boat arrivals over the next three years.
Recent polling conducted by Ipsos revealed strong public support for the ‘one in, one out’ concept, with 55% in favor, including a majority of Reform voters. Even with a proposed cap of 50,000 asylum seekers, 48% of respondents indicated support, while only 15% opposed the idea.
British Future’s director, Sunder Katwala, stressed the need for the Home Secretary to implement a robust plan based on practical evidence to address small boat crossings effectively. He highlighted the potential of the UK-France agreement, citing the successful outcomes of similar strategies in the US.
Clarke endorsed the report’s proposals, urging the government to seriously consider them. He praised the report for offering a constructive and humanitarian solution based on proven effectiveness. The report also compared Farage’s controversial plan to repatriate refugees to oppressive regimes unfavorably, warning that rejecting the Refugee Convention could hinder future return agreements with stable governments.
According to a Home Office spokesperson, addressing immigration system abuse remains a priority for public safety. The government’s collaboration with international partners has already led to increased returns and disrupted criminal networks since July last year, thanks to the renewed UK-France Treaty.
The High Court recently intervened to prevent the return of an Eritrean man to France temporarily. Despite this setback, Technology Secretary Liz Kendall affirmed that the overall agreement would proceed as planned.