Home Secretary Yvette Cooper has stated that the frequency of “dangerous” small boat Channel crossings is excessively high, but she refrained from outlining a specific timeline to reduce the numbers.
Since Labour’s assumption of power, over 20,000 individuals have crossed to the UK, an increase from the 17,020 recorded during the corresponding period last year.
During an interview in Rome, Cooper informed the BBC’s Sunday with Laura Kuenssberg show that there has been a history of home secretaries making promises on migration that they ultimately fail to fulfill.
However, the Conservatives critiqued Labour’s decision to abolish the Tories’ deportation scheme for Rwanda, characterizing it as a significant error.
In a conversation with Kuenssberg, shadow home secretary Chris Philp indicated that his party would strive to implement a deterrent-oriented scheme if they regained power.
The number of migrants crossing the Channel in the first five months of Labour’s term is lower compared to the same period in 2022, which was a year with record arrivals, but similar to the numbers from that period in 2021.
Cooper emphasized that the volume of crossings remains significantly detrimental and hazardous, undermining border security and endangering lives.
She asserted, “We aim to see boat crossings diminish as swiftly as possible.
“However, we will not rely on slogans to address this issue. Rishi Sunak promised to stop the boats within a year.”
When asked about the government’s reluctance to publicly declare targets for reducing small boat crossings, Cooper replied, “On the contrary.
“We have made it clear that border security is a foundational matter”.
Labour has prioritized action against people-smuggling networks and enhanced law enforcement efforts in its approach to reduce boat crossings.
On Sunday, the Home Office released updated data revealing that a total of 13,460 foreign nationals have been repatriated to their home countries through both forced and voluntary means since Labour took office in July.
The department reported an increase in enforced repatriations compared to the same period last year, attributing it to improved collaboration with other nations facilitating more return flights.
Philp argued that the rise in repatriations continues a trend that commenced before this year’s election.
Labour has previously shown interest in examining Italy’s arrangement with Albania, where some migrants rescued by the Italian coastguard are sent there to process their asylum requests.
This five-year pact has encountered significant hurdles, with transfers recently paused by a court in Rome.
When asked about the possibility of Labour considering offshore processing of asylum claims, Cooper stated that the government would explore any effective options, emphasizing the necessity of efficiency in such a scheme.
She also attributed the surge in accommodation for asylum seekers post-election to a breakdown in decision-making prior to the vote, resulting in a backlog of cases upon taking office.
Speaking on Sky News, Home Office minister Angela Eagle defended the absence of a specific timetable for reducing crossings, asserting that the public prefers gradual progress over arbitrary deadlines.
However, Philp highlighted Australia’s success with offshore processing policies as evidence that deterrence strategies are effective, pledging that the Tories would seek to revive a Rwanda-style deal if they regain power.
He noted the absence of reducing Channel crossings as one of the six government “milestones” outlined by Sir Keir Starmer the previous week.
Under Kemi Badenoch’s leadership, the Conservatives have committed to implementing an annual cap on legal migration into the UK.
When questioned about the specifics of the cap, Philp indicated that it would be “significantly lower” than the 350,000 forecasted by official economic analysts for future years.
The government unveiled plans to allocate £8 million for new technology aimed at combatting smuggling networks, which includes body-worn cameras and fingerprinting kits to enhance immigration enforcement operations.
The implementation of this new technology will support operational teams in building cases against individuals working illegally in the UK or unscrupulous businesses employing them.
Biometric fingerprinting kits will be provided to frontline personnel, enabling immigration enforcement officers to verify individuals against police databases instantly.
The home secretary also expressed a desire to expedite asylum claims from individuals seeking protection from countries classified as safe.
Cooper emphasized that despite the absence of a specific target related to small boat crossings, border security remains a key focus for the government.
Earlier this week, Germany and the UK agreed on a deal to strengthen Berlin’s legislation to facilitate the prosecution of individuals involved in smuggling people into the UK.
According to the Home Office, Germany has committed to making this activity a distinct criminal offense under the new agreement.
Sunday with Laura Kuenssberg airs on BBC One at 09:00 GMT on Sunday 15 December