- Tragic boat incident near Calais.
- UK asylum criteria discussed.
- Challenges in curbing immigration.
In August, a tragic incident occurred when a boat carrying migrants across the English Channel capsized, resulting in the loss of at least six lives.
On Tuesday morning, authorities discovered the body of a 24-year-old woman from Eritrea on Sangatte beach, near Calais.
The incident took place north of Sangatte, France, and prompted a solemn vigil in the port city of Folkestone. Participants at the vigil called for the establishment of “safe routes” and an end to unnecessary deaths.
Since 2018, over 100,000 people have entered the UK illegally by crossing the English Channel on small boats.
Today, Home Secretary Suella Braverman discussed the criteria for asylum in the United Kingdom. She stated that seeking asylum based solely on gender or sexual orientation discrimination may not be sufficient.
Ms. Braverman acknowledged the challenges faced by individuals in parts of the world where being gay or a woman is particularly difficult. However, she emphasized that while sanctuary should be granted to persecuted individuals, seeking asylum should not solely rely on fear of discrimination in one’s home country.
She also asserted that those entering the United Kingdom by boat from France are not necessarily fleeing immediate danger, and therefore, illegal entry cannot be justified.
Furthermore, Ms. Braverman criticized the European Convention on Human Rights, suggesting that some individuals exploit the system without genuine need.
Addressing the issue of small boat crossings, stopping these crossings was one of Rishi Sunak’s top priorities for his administration. However, his efforts to curb illegal immigration have faced numerous challenges and delays.
