SNP call for 'root and branch reform' of 'disastrous' asylum system

The new deal, which will see British immigration offices stationed in French control rooms for the first time with a 40% boost in the number of officers patrolling beaches in northern France, has also been branded a continuation of the "failed fixation" on reducing the number of migrants arriving in the UK. 

Further measures include drones and night vision equipment to help officers detect crossings as well as stepping up surveillance around ports to prevent growing numbers migrants entering the UK in lorries.

Although the SNP have welcomed the co-operation with France although said that deals like this have previously failed to “significantly improve the situation”.

The party’s immigration spokesperson Anne McLaughlin said: “While co-operation with the French is welcome, no deal will fix the Tories disastrous asylum system.

READ MORE: This is what I saw inside the notorious Manston asylum centre

“We have seen deals like this before and they have failed to significantly improve the situation. The UK Government must instead focus on the backlog of asylum decisions. 

“The whole UK asylum system needs root and branch reform to make it humane and fit for purpose, including giving asylum seekers the right to work, creating many more safe and legal routes, and providing decent accommodation and support systems for those seeking safety upon arrival.””

McLaughlin added that the money being spent on the deal with France would be better spent on hiring and training staff to work in the Home Office and deal with the backlog. 

She said: “The whole UK asylum system needs root and branch reform to make it humane and fit for purpose, including giving asylum seekers the right to work, creating many more safe and legal routes, and providing decent accommodation and support systems for those seeking safety upon arrival.”

More than 1800 migrants arrived in the UK over the weekend, marking the first Channel crossings in November after an 11-day hiatus.

Government figures show 972 people arrived in 22 boats on Saturday, followed by 853 people in 26 boats on Sunday, taking the provisional total for this year to more than 41,000.

There were 28,256 crossings in total last year. 

READ MORE: Scotland needs to escape the Tories' hostility to immigration and asylum seekers

The Scottish Greens' human rights spokesperson Maggie Chapman said: “People do not risk their lives and those of loved ones on a deadly crossing by choice. They are driven to it out of desperation.

“Rather than a constant and failed fixation on how to reduce numbers, the focus should be on working with others to address the reasons why so many people are forced to uproot their lives.

“That means providing solidarity, support and safe routes instead of increasingly militarised borders and seas.”

A Home Office policy paper detailing the agreement said the “activity will begin with immediate effect” with the rise in French officers on beach patrols taking place “in the next five months”.

More than 1800 migrants arrived in the UK over the weekend, marking the first Channel crossings in November after an 11-day hiatus.

Suella Braverman has come in for criticism regarding how she has handled immigration (Image: PA)

Government figures show 972 people arrived in 22 boats on Saturday, followed by 853 people in 26 boats on Sunday, taking the provisional total for this year to more than 41,000.

There were 28,256 crossings in total last year. 

Chapman continued: “Successive UK governments, both Tory and Labour, have inflicted a hostile environment and a series of racist and reactionary policies in order to win headlines.

“Whether it is the dawn raids and detention in prison-like conditions, or a Home Secretary who has said she fantasises about racist deportation flights to Rwanda, the way that they have treated other human beings is appalling.

“An independent Scotland would pursue a humane and empathetic migration policy rather than one that is based on punishing and scapegoating people who are fleeing horrific circumstances.”

Home Secretary Suella Braverman, who is to meet neighbouring countries “as soon as possible” and will travel to Frankfurt later this week to discuss tackling organised crime with her G7 counterparts, said: “We must do everything we can to stop people making these dangerous journeys and crack down on the criminal gangs.

“This is a global challenge requiring global solutions, and it is in the interests of both the UK and French governments to work together to solve this complex problem.

“There are no quick fixes but this new arrangement will mean we can significantly increase the number of French gendarmes patrolling the beaches in northern France and ensure UK and French officers are working hand in hand to stop the people smugglers.”