Keir Starmer’s strategy to challenge Nigel Farage involves intensifying efforts to secure a repatriation agreement with France and reducing illegal small boat crossings by 75%, according to a recent report.
Former Labour Home Secretary Charles Clarke has urged government officials to consider a pragmatic and compassionate approach. Recent polls indicate that nearly half of the electorate would back the admission of up to 50,000 asylum seekers into the UK in exchange for a ‘one in, one out deal’.
Starmer is moving forward with a pact made with French President Emmanuel Macron, which aims to repatriate individuals arriving via small boats in return for those with valid asylum claims. While the initial plan is set at 50 returns per week, there are calls to increase this figure significantly, as suggested by British Future.
British Future’s report proposes expanding the initiative to accommodate up to 50,000 refugees entering the UK through a controlled process, with potential public support if it is part of an agreement where France also takes back unauthorized crossers.
The report emphasizes that this approach presents the Prime Minister with a viable strategy to substantially decrease the number of small boat arrivals. Drawing parallels with Joe Biden’s success in reducing illegal crossings at the US-Mexico border, the report advocates for the UK government to aim for a 75% reduction in small boat arrivals over the next three years.
Research conducted by Ipsos revealed that a majority of adults, including Reform voters, endorse a one-for-one exchange deal, with significant support even if the cap is set at 50,000 refugees.
Sunder Katwala, director of British Future, highlighted the need for the Home Secretary to implement a comprehensive plan based on proven effectiveness. The report cites the success of similar approaches in the US and stresses the importance of scaling up such efforts.
Charles Clarke praised the report for its practical and urgent recommendations, stating that it provides a realistic and humane pathway for effective action. The report also criticizes Farage’s proposal to repatriate refugees to oppressive regimes and warns against jeopardizing return agreements with stable governments by withdrawing from the Refugee Convention.
The Home Office reiterated its commitment to combatting immigration abuse, emphasizing the collaboration with international partners to enhance public safety. The UK-France Treaty is facilitating the detention and repatriation of individuals arriving via small boats, with the implementation of the ‘one in, one out’ scheme set to commence soon.
Despite a recent legal setback preventing the return of an Eritrean individual to France, Technology Secretary Liz Kendall remains optimistic about the overall progress of the agreement.