The UK needs an asylum and immigration system that commands public confidence while meeting the fairness test.
A pressing issue is addressing the situation of people crossing the English Channel in boats, often in perilous conditions.
Last year 28,526 people are known to have made the journey in small boats, up from 8404 the year before.
The Tory “solution,” unveiled yesterday, is the opposite of what a compassionate government should do.
Prime Minister Boris Johnson is proposing some asylum seekers who cross the Channel to the UK should be transported to Rwanda.
Under the scheme, the African country would take responsibility for these people and put them through an asylum process.
If they were successful at the end of the process, they would be given long-term accommodation in Rwanda.
The bottom line is Johnson is offshoring asylum policy to a country 4000 miles away.
It is a heartless response typical of a government that wants to create a “hostile environment” for those fleeing persecution.
Firstly, the cost of flying people to Rwanda and putting them through an asylum process will be exorbitant.
The Tories cannot find the cash to fund a genuine response to the cost-of-living crisis, yet can bankroll this dog’s breakfast of a scheme.
Secondly, this appalling policy will inevitably be challenged in the courts, with the taxpayer liable for huge legal bills.
Aside from moral and legal objections, it is also a blatant attempt at distracting from Partygate.
Johnson is to be issued with a fixed penalty notice, perhaps more, after breaching the lockdown laws he drew up.
He is a tainted PM whose law breaking has damaged his already sullied reputation.
With his job on the line, he has reached for a solution from the Tory playbook – a right-wing policy on asylum.
As ever, whenever the Tories find themselves in a tight spot, they opt for racist dog whistles that appeal to the likes of the odious Nigel Farage.
Decent politicians would try and find workable solutions to difficult issues like asylum.
The malign Tories see it as a way of winning votes by demonising the vulnerable.
No wonder the policy has been derided as “evil,” “cynical” and “despicable” by senior politicians.
Enver Solomon, CEO of The Refugee Council, said: “I think it’s rather extraordinary that the Government is obsessing with control instead of focusing on competence and compassion.”
Every day of this Government is horrendous but the Rwanda policy is a new low.
The refugees fleeing their homeland to come to Britain would be better running the country than this lot.
