Migrants in Northern France Await Change in UK Government Policy on Channel Crossings
News Mania Desk/ Agnibeena Ghosh/25th June 2024
Migrants residing near Dunkirk in northern France are delaying their attempts to cross the English Channel until after the upcoming UK election, following Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer’s promise to abolish the controversial Rwanda deportation initiative.
In discussions with The Telegraph, several migrants expressed reluctance to risk the crossing in small boats while the current government remains in power. They are aware of the Rwanda scheme, which they fear could result in their deportation.
The number of migrants making the dangerous Channel crossing has reached record levels this year, despite efforts to deter them with the threat of deportation to Rwanda.
In a recent article, Home Secretary James Cleverly highlighted that smugglers are already anticipating a potential Labour victory, which they believe would eliminate the Rwanda deportation option and increase the appeal of reaching the UK.
Labour’s proposed changes include scrapping the Rwanda initiative and implementing new policies aimed at securing the border and dismantling smuggling networks. These plans are part of Labour’s broader strategy to handle migration more compassionately and effectively.
Meanwhile, Conservative leaders, including Chancellor Rishi Sunak, have criticized Labour’s stance, arguing that it could encourage more illegal migration attempts and strain UK resources.
The upcoming election is expected to coincide with a surge in Channel crossings, traditionally peaking during the summer months of July, August, and September.
In response to Labour’s pledge, some migrants, such as a 43-year-old Peshmerga fighter from Iraq and a 17-year-old Syrian boy injured during a failed boat launch, expressed cautious optimism about waiting for potential policy changes under a new government before attempting to reach the UK.
Despite differing views on the potential impact of a change in UK leadership, charity workers and experts in northern France remain skeptical that altering UK government policies alone will significantly affect migrant behavior or solve the complex issue of illegal crossings.
As political tensions and public debate around migration policies intensify ahead of the election, stakeholders on both sides continue to advocate for their respective positions, highlighting the critical role of policy decisions in shaping the future landscape of Channel crossings and asylum in the UK.
