UK Clears Legacy Asylum Backlog, Deters Boats

UK Successfully Clears Legacy Asylum Backlog

Meeting the Prime Minister’s Commitment Under the Prime Minister's determined leadership, the United Kingdom has achieved a notable milestone by processing over 112,000 asylum cases in the past year. This feat represents a substantial stride in fulfilling the government's commitment to effectively managing immigration and clearing the legacy asylum backlog. It is a crucial part of their broader strategy to streamline immigration processes and manage the country's borders more efficiently.   Marked Reduction in Small Boat Crossings In conjunction with the significant progress in clearing the backlog, there has been a considerable decrease of 36% in small boat crossings into the UK in 2023. This downward trend is even more pronounced in the latter half of the year, with crossings falling by 45%, and an even steeper decline of 64% in the final quarter when compared to the same periods in 2022. This substantial reduction contrasts sharply with a notable surge in sea crossings into Europe, which experienced an 80% increase over the same period.  

Enhancing Asylum Decision-Making

Streamlining Processes and Boosting Caseworker Numbers The government has made fundamental changes to the asylum decision-making process, including the strategic addition of 1,200 caseworkers. These enhancements have led to the highest number of substantive decisions made in a single year since 2002. The government's efforts to double the number of asylum caseworkers and significantly increase productivity have been instrumental in achieving this target. This approach demonstrates a commitment to processing asylum applications more efficiently and effectively.   Exceeding Backlog Clearance Goals The Home Office has not only met but also surpassed its initial target of clearing the original 92,000 legacy asylum backlog, processing a total of 112,000 cases. This achievement includes a comprehensive review of all cases in the backlog, with 86,800 decisions made. Remarkably, in four weeks alone, more initial asylum decisions were made than in the entirety of 2021, highlighting the efficiency and effectiveness of the revamped asylum processing system.  

Ensuring Thorough Checks and Balancing Security

Prioritizing Security and Diligent Assessments While accelerating the processing of asylum applications, the government has maintained its commitment to thorough security and background checks. Despite the increase in decision-making, the grant rate for asylum decisions in 2023 is lower than in previous years. This reflects the government's unwavering commitment to upholding stringent standards and ensuring that each case is assessed with the utmost diligence and care.   Tackling Complex Cases Among the processed cases, authorities have identified 4,500 complex cases that require additional scrutiny or investigation before making a final decision. These typically relate to asylum seekers presenting as children, where age verification is necessary; those with serious medical issues; or individuals with suspected past convictions. The government's approach in handling these cases balances efficiency with thoroughness, actively ensuring that each case receives the attention it requires.  

Government Actions Against Illegal Migration

Disrupting Small Boat Gangs and People Smugglers The government's robust actions to disrupt and deter small boat gangs and people smugglers have led to the UK experiencing fewer small boat arrivals than in the previous year. This success is underscored by a 46% decrease in the number of vessels crossing the Channel. These figures demonstrate the effectiveness of operations aimed at disrupting the supply of boats and engines used in illegal crossings.   Comprehensive Strategy and Strengthened International Cooperation The government's actions in 2023 have been wide-ranging and multifaceted. They include returning over 24,000 individuals with no legal right to remain in the UK, intensifying enforcement visits, and substantially increasing arrests linked to illegal migration activities. These efforts are complemented by new agreements with several countries to collectively tackle illegal migration.  

Future Plans and Ongoing Efforts

The Prime Minister’s Continued Commitment Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has reaffirmed his determination to end the burden of illegal migration on the British people. By clearing the legacy asylum backlog and making more than 112,000 decisions, the government aims to reduce the strain on public services, ensure the right support for the most vulnerable, and save taxpayers millions of pounds in expensive hotel costs.   Home Secretary’s Persistent Mission Home Secretary James Cleverly continues to focus on halting illegal entries into the UK. The government's persistent efforts to break the business model of people smugglers through international cooperation and innovative tactics are central to this mission. The UK's approach involves leveraging international cooperation and innovative disruption tactics to break the business model of people smugglers.   Legislative Advances and International Asylum Policy The government is progressing the Safety of Rwanda Bill through Parliament, which will allow the relocation of asylum seekers to Rwanda. Additionally, the UK encourages genuine asylum seekers to claim asylum in the first safe country they reach and remains committed to dismantling people smuggling networks. The government will be intensifying its efforts this year in targeting the people smugglers and breaking their business model through leveraging international cooperation and innovative disruption tactics.   Sources: THX News, Home Office, The Rt Hon James Cleverly MP, & The Rt Hon Rishi Sunak MP. Read the full article

European Coordination Call: Cameron's Paris-Rome Mission

Addressing Humanitarian Crises with European Coordination

Tackling Global Issues in Paris and Rome In an era marked by complex international crises, UK Foreign Secretary David Cameron embarks on a significant journey to Paris and Rome, aiming to fortify European collaboration on urgent humanitarian issues. This visit, occurring today, 19 December, carries a crucial agenda: addressing the escalating humanitarian crisis in Gaza and maintaining support for Ukraine amid harsh winter conditions. Cameron's trip underscores the UK's commitment to international security and humanitarian aid. In Paris, he will engage with French President Emmanuel Macron and Foreign Minister Catherine Colonna, focusing on sustaining Ukraine's defense and seeking a long-lasting political solution that upholds Israel's security and the Palestinians' right to peace. The discussions will also pivot on how the UK and France can align their humanitarian efforts in Gaza more effectively.  

A Milestone Year in UK-France Relations

Celebrating Historical Ties and Future Cooperation 2024 marks a significant year for UK-France relations, commemorating 120 years since the signing of the Entente Cordiale and 80 years since the D-Day landings. These historical milestones underscore the enduring partnership between the two nations, which continues to evolve and strengthen in the face of modern challenges.  

Expanding the Dialogue in Rome

Collaboration on Illegal Migration and Humanitarian Assistance Cameron's agenda in Rome is equally crucial. He is set to meet Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani, following Prime Minister Rishi Sunak’s recent discussions with PM Meloni. A key focus of their talks will be enhancing cooperation on tackling illegal migration. A significant outcome of these discussions is the new agreement between the UK and Italy, committing £4 million to the International Organization for Migration’s project in Tunisia. This joint funding aims to provide humanitarian assistance and support for vulnerable migrants, facilitating safe and voluntary returns.  

Cameron's Call for Action

A Unified Approach to International Security and Humanitarian Aid Foreign Secretary David Cameron, in his statement, emphasized the importance of a united and resilient response with European allies to the world's most pressing challenges. From the dire situation in Gaza to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, Cameron stresses the need to strengthen alliances and ensure that the collective voice of Europe is influential and decisive.   In Summary This visit by the Foreign Secretary to Paris and Rome is more than a diplomatic trip; it is a strategic move towards deeper European coordination in addressing humanitarian crises. As Europe grapples with issues from Gaza to Ukraine and illegal migration, the UK’s proactive approach under Cameron’s leadership signifies a commitment to collaborative solutions and a stronger, more unified European response to global challenges.   Sources: THX News, Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office & The Rt Hon Lord Cameron. Read the full article

UK PM Calls For European Union to Prioritize Border Security

  - PM will put tackling illegal migration firmly on the international agenda at 2nd ever meeting of the European Political Community in Moldova today - As the UK prepares to host the EPC next year, PM will build on migration agreements struck with France, Albania and the EU in recent weeks - PM will also announce new support for Moldova in the face of Russian aggression and Putin’s illegal war in Ukraine  

Beds in the migrant shelter. Illegal immigration is a worldwide problem. Photo by greensefa. Flickr.   Stopping illegal migration and securing our borders should be at the top of the agenda for European leaders, the Prime Minister will tell a gathering of the European Political Community (EPC) in Chișinău, Moldova today (1 June 2023). The EPC was established last year as a forum for leaders from across Europe to come together and address some of the biggest trans-national challenges. Addressing the meeting, the Prime Minister will point to the devastating humanitarian impact of illegal migration which is rising across the continent. He will emphasise the need for all countries to grip this problem with a lawful and compassionate approach. Migrant crossings into the EU increased by 64 per cent last year and organised criminal gangs are using networks across Europe to commit cross-border crime and profit from human misery. In recent weeks, the PM has agreed an unprecedented package of measures to stop illegal Channel crossings with France and new returns agreements with Albania. Two weeks ago, the Prime Minister also agreed with EU President Von der Leyen to develop a new working arrangement between UK agencies and Frontex – the EU’s border agency. This will include Frontex and UK agencies working together on critical operational and strategic challenges, including in the Channel. Today, the Prime Minister will announce the start of negotiations on a new returns agreement with Moldova and confirm that a similar deal struck with Georgia has entered into force. These returns agreements allow us to return foreign nationals found to be in violation of immigration laws in the UK – reducing the incentive for people to come here illegally. The Prime Minister will also announce a new partnership with Bulgaria to help them destroy the business model of organised criminal gangs who are deeply involved in illegal migration. Bulgaria sits at the crossroads of the Eastern Mediterranean and Western Balkans migration routes – both of which have seen around a 40 per cent increase in illegal migration since 2021. The country is also becoming a key point of entry for the small boats and engines which are used by criminal gangs in illegal Channel crossings. The UK will increase bilateral intelligence sharing with Bulgaria and work with them to increase their ability to detect and disrupt criminal gangs, building on previous work to disrupt the flow of illicit finance through organised crime networks.  

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak to attend Muldova meeting. Photo by UK Prime Minister. Flickr.   The Prime Minister said: Europe is facing unprecedented threats at our borders. From Putin’s utter contempt of other countries’ sovereignty to the rise in organised immigration crime across our continent. We cannot address these problems without Europe’s governments and institutions working closely together. In every meeting, every summit, every international gathering like this, the security of our borders must be top of the agenda. The UK will be at the heart of this international effort to stop the boats and defend our national security.   The UK will host the European Political Community in 2024 following the next summit, hosted by Spain in October. In Moldova today the Prime Minister will meet Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez to discuss how the UK and Spain can keep up the momentum of international action on illegal migration at our respective EPC Summits. The Prime Minister will also convene a roundtable discussion on security, alongside the Polish Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki, where he will stress the need to deal with organised immigration crime and support countries like Ukraine and Moldova who are on the front line of Russian aggression. Prior to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, Moldova was already one of the poorest countries in Europe. It now hosts the largest per capita refugee population, having accepted thousands of Ukrainians fleeing war. Moldova is the subject of constant Russian hostility, from Russian troops illegally stationed in Transnistria to a Russian plot, uncovered earlier this year, to stage a coup in Moldova. In March, the UK announced an extra £10 million to support reforms, including to Moldova’s energy sector, which will help them defend against the kind of economic and political manipulation we know Russia is capable of. We have also provided £12.5 million to UN agencies to help support Ukrainian refugees in Moldova, and today the Prime Minister will announce a further £10.5 million to continue these efforts – particularly helping those women and children who have experienced the most horrific things imaginable over the last year. Given the impact of Putin’s aggression beyond Ukraine, this work is integral to keeping our people safe and stopping the manipulation of our economy.   Sources: THX News, Prime Minister's Office, 10 Downing Street & The Rt Hon Rishi Sunak MP. Read the full article