Think tank sets out alternative proposal to ‘impractical’ Rwanda scheme

A think tank has set out an alternative proposal to the Government’s “impractical” and “costly” Rwanda scheme, addressing the small boat crisis and the broader challenges faced by the UK asylum system.

The Institute for Public Policy Research (IPPR) believes that a more “humane” response can be adopted to handle the rise in asylum seekers making the journey across the Channel.

The independent, progressive public-policy think tank recommends establishing safer and more accessible routes for those seeking refuge in the UK.

This includes piloting a unique refugee visa, particularly for Afghans, allowing them to apply for temporary leave to enter the UK via embassies in other countries, diminishing the need for Channel crossings.

Alongside this, the IPPR calls for renewed collaboration with European nations to tackle jointly people smuggling, resolve immigration statuses in northern France, and develop mutual agreements on processing asylum claims.

The think tank also makes the case for a revamp of the UK’s current asylum system, addressing the significant backlog and reimagining the asylum accommodation model.

Marley Morris, associate director for migration at IPPR, said: “The Government has challenged those opposed to the Rwanda deal to propose a credible alternative. Our new report does just that.

“Compared with the impractical, costly Rwanda plan, our focus is on solutions which are humane, evidence-based and deliverable.

“Under our approach, the Government would reform and expand safe alternatives for people seeking refuge in the UK, to divert them away from crossing the Channel in dangerous, unseaworthy boats.

“New deals with the UK’s partners in Europe would seek a managed, orderly approach to resolving asylum claims.

“And finally, we need to get to grips with the failures of the asylum system at home with a concerted effort to triage asylum claims and bring down the backlog, saving millions on hotels in the process.”

The Supreme Court is currently reviewing the Government’s plan to send asylum seekers to Rwanda, with a decision expected by the end of the year.

The IPPR’s proposal is part of a report titled Charting new waters: A progressive policy response to the channel crossings.

A Home Office spokesperson said: “The UK has a proud history of providing protection, having offered a safe and legal route to over half-a-million people.

“However, illegal migration is a complex, global issue, and one which requires fresh solutions.

“That’s why our migration partnership with Rwanda will prevent more lives from being put at risk in the Channel.

“The Illegal Migration Act will also break the cycle of people-smuggling gangs, put an end to the unacceptable use of hotels, and clear the legacy asylum backlog which has already fallen by over 35,000 cases.”