Charity challenges home secretary’s claims about ‘economic migrants’

The figures contradict Suella Braverman’s claim that ‘70% of individuals on small boats are single men who are effectively economic migrants’. Photograph: Stefan Rousseau/PA

Suella Braverman’s claim that most asylum seekers are economic migrants has been challenged by an analysis which suggests that three out of four people crossing the English Channel in small boats this year would be granted asylum if their claims were processed.

Using Home Office statistics on Channel crossings, the Refugee Council said that 74% of arrivals in 2023 would be recognised as asylum seekers, an increase from 65% last year.