The UK may face increasing pressure to tighten its immigration laws in response to the European Union’s plan to deport failed asylum seekers and criminals. The EU is proposing a significant overhaul of the 1951 Refugee Convention, which currently prevents the return of asylum seekers to countries where their life or freedom could be threatened.
A paper drafted by Poland, which was seen by The Times, suggests that such legal changes “could also stimulate discussion of the issue internationally,” potentially prompting the UK to reconsider its immigration policies. Angela Sharma, a specialist immigration barrister at Church Court Chambers, noted that if the EU successfully modifies its interpretation of human rights protections regarding deportations, the UK government may be pressured to align with these reforms or introduce even stricter immigration laws.”
