Chancellor Rishi Sunak has refused the proposal from Ireland to accept asylum seekers, emphasizing conditions including EU cooperation on returning individuals who pass through France first. This political stance surfaces amidst rising Channel crossings and mixed reactions to the UK’s Rwanda deterrence policy.
Chancellor Rishi Sunak has ruled out accepting asylum seekers from Ireland, revealing that the UK would only consider such a move if the EU agrees to facilitate the return of asylum seekers who initially entered the UK from France. This stance came into focus during discussions at a high-level meeting in London between UK and Irish officials, predominantly influenced by responses to the UK’s Rwanda policy, which is designed to deter migrants from attempting small boat crossings from France.
The Ireland government had proposed legislation to streamline the return of migrants, prompted by concerns over increased migration into Northern Ireland. However, Sunak’s position highlights the UK’s reluctance to engage in such agreements under the prevailing conditions.
Compounding the issue, asylum seeker crossings into the UK via the Channel have surged, hitting a record high with over 7,000 entries in the first four months of the year. David Lammy from the Labour Party expressed doubts about the effectiveness of the Rwanda policy, suggesting potential increases in future crossing attempts due to warmer weather.
In response, Northern Ireland Secretary Chris Heaton-Harris expressed approval of Ireland’s legislative proposals. This was supported by Irish Deputy Prime Minister Micheal Martin, who stressed the importance of reinstating conditions prior to a recent Irish High Court decision, which questioned the UK’s status as a ‘safe country’ for asylum purposes.
Both governments underscored their commitment to addressing these migration challenges within the framework of the Common Travel Area, aiming to maintain its benefits while managing concerns related to migration effectively.
