Crackdown On Smugglers To Help Refugees

Touch new measures to deport foreign criminals and clamp down on people smugglers are on the way, along with steps to make it easier for refugees to claim asylum.

- David Williamson

Home Secretary Priti Patel has unveiled plans to stop the abuse of the asylum process, while strengthening protection for those who are genuinely in need.

The Home Office says criminals from overseas will no longer be able to lodge “endless claims for protection” as they try to avoid being removed from the UK.

Instead they will be served with a new “priority removal notice” under which they should make their claims in one go.

People smugglers will face life behind bars, and the maximum sentence for illegally entering the UK will also be increased.

Meanwhile, the Border Force will be given new powers to search containers coming into the country.

A fast-tracked asylum appeals process is intended to reduce “time spent on meritless claims”, and under the proposals judges will be expected to give “minimal weight to late evidence” unless there are exceptional circumstances.

A higher standard of proof will be required in law for protection to be granted. These measures will be coupled with initiatives to help people who need to come to the UK for sanctuary.