Following Suella Braverman’s implementation of the Illegal Migration Act, data shows that over 100,000 individuals have crossed the Channel by small boat. Despite Braverman’s commitment to halting these crossings, the figures have reached a milestone since the legislation was enacted on July 20, 2023.
Since the passing of the act, 100,673 people have successfully made the perilous journey to the UK, surpassing half of the total number of arrivals via small boats since 2018. This surge in arrivals prompted Braverman to push for the new legislation after the previous attempts under Priti Patel’s Nationalities and Borders Act failed to deter crossings.
Critics, including Labour MP Luke Charters, have criticized Braverman’s approach, labeling it a crisis of her making. The opposition emphasizes the need for accountability from former government officials like Robert Jenrick and Suella Braverman, who have yet to acknowledge their part in the ongoing challenges surrounding small boat arrivals.
The Illegal Migration Bill, introduced by Braverman in March 2023, aimed to enforce stricter measures to prevent illegal entries, including a bar on asylum claims for those arriving by small boat after March 7, 2023. However, the influx of arrivals continued, with a significant portion occurring post-legislation.
In response to the escalating situation, Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood has introduced new measures to address small boat crossings, including enhanced reviews of refugee status and collaborations with France to bolster border security. Mahmood’s efforts aim to deter risky journeys and ensure a more controlled asylum system.
Despite ongoing debates and policy adjustments, the issue of small boat arrivals remains a contentious topic, with various stakeholders advocating for different approaches to manage the situation effectively and ethically.
