This House of Lords Library topical briefing provides wider context to the migrant crossings in the channel, examines the reasons why greater numbers are undertaking seaborne crossings, and outlines the government's response to the recent rise in crossings.
English Channel Migrant Boat Crossings (208 KB , PDF)
In December 2018 there was a significant increase in the numbers of migrants, many claiming to be Iranian on arrival, attempting to reach the UK by crossing the English Channel in small ill-equipped inflatable boats. This, in addition to the fact that the English Channel contains some of the busiest shipping lanes in the world and has unpredictable weather conditions, were factors that, combined, posed a real danger to lives. It led to the Home Secretary, Sajid Javid, declaring the crossings a “major incident” on 28 December 2018. This briefing provides some wider context to the migrant crossings in the channel, examines specifically why migrants appear to be taking more risky and extreme measures to cross the channel on small boats, and outlines what the government’s response has been to this recent rise in crossings. In line with media reports on this subject, this briefing refers to all individuals moving across borders that have not yet completed the legal process of claiming asylum as migrants.
English Channel Migrant Boat Crossings (208 KB , PDF)
The Queen’s Speech is due to take place on 10 May 2022. The Government will use the speech to outline its plans for the new parliamentary session. This article considers what home affairs related announcements the Government might make, including plans for new legislation relating to counter-state threats and economic crime, and amendments to the Modern Slavery Act 2015.
Napier Barracks in Kent has been used since 2020 as contingency or temporary accommodation for those seeking asylum. In September 2021, an order was laid before Parliament extending the use of the site for such purposes for another five years. This move came despite significant criticism of facilities at the site, including a judgment from the High Court declaring them inadequate and the Home Office guilty of employing unlawful practices.
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