In 2023, out of the 29,437 migrants who crossed the English Channel to the UK via small boats, only 155 have been deported, equating to just 0.5%. This figure highlights the challenges faced by the government in enforcing its immigration policies, specifically with legal hurdles impeding the pace of deportations.

The government, under a Conservative administration, has been actively promoting the Rwanda scheme as a solution to these issues. This plan is aimed at transferring asylum seekers to Rwanda for processing. Despite its controversial nature and facing legal opposition, the government has expressed resolution to commence flights to Rwanda soon.

MP Neil O’Brien and other supporters of the scheme argue that many legal appeals, which they deem questionable, significantly slow down the deportation process. Conversely, critics such as Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer, have voiced strong opposition, with Starmer promising to terminate the Rwanda flights should Labour come to power.

The discord over this policy was palpable in Peckham, south-east London, where a clash between police and protesters occurred during an operation to transport asylum seekers to an immigration center under what is known as Operation Vector. The operation is part of efforts to boost detention capacities and expedite the removals of those deemed deportable to Rwanda. This has reportedly increased fear and anxiety among refugees and asylum seekers across the UK, with some choosing to disengage from the asylum process altogether.

Organizations supporting asylum seekers have expressed concern over the lack of clear communication from the Home Office, contributing to a climate of fear and confusion within affected communities. This situation has not only raised humanitarian concerns but also questions about the effectiveness and implications of current immigration policies and practices in the UK.