On April 15, 2024, nearly 750 asylum seekers arrived in the UK via small boats, setting a record high for the year. Among these, 534 individuals crossed the Channel on Sunday, contributing to the total of approximately 6,000 arrivals in 2024. This surge in arrivals has intensified debates surrounding the controversial Rwanda deportation bill, championed by the government as a deterrent to illegal migration.

Reform UK leader Richard Tice has openly criticised the government’s handling of the migration issue, particularly targeting the ineffectiveness of the Rwanda policy, which he described as “a wasteful farce.” In light of these challenges, the Reform UK party has outlined a six-point plan aimed at tightening immigration controls, including proposals to return migrants to France and to withdraw from the European Convention on Human Rights.

As the government struggles to manage this situation, Health Secretary Victoria Atkins has expressed readiness to implement the Rwanda deportation plan promptly, pending legal approval. This involves negotiations with several countries, including Costa Rica, Armenia, Ivory Coast, and Botswana, about emulating the Rwanda scheme.

The escalating immigration concerns coincide with a rise in popularity for Reform UK, which is reflected in recent polling data showing its growing appeal among male voters, potentially at the expense of the Conservative Party. This development echoes trends seen across Europe where far-right parties have gained traction over traditional right-wing parties. As the UK Parliament resumes after the Easter recess, the debate over the Rwanda bill and broader immigration policies is expected to continue amid concerns about the financial and legal implications of such measures.