How should we look on the asylum seeker (responding to “stop the boats”

Immigration control is the last resort of a government in difficulty.  Over the years, we’ve seen politicians from both sides of the divide ramp up the rhetoric, whether it was Gordon Brown promising British jobs for British workers or David Cameron telling us that he could reduce immigration to the tens of thousands. Easier said… Continue reading How should we look on the asylum seeker (responding to “stop the boats”

Reforming the asylum system

Steve Kneale, has shared a proposal for a possible solution the current crisis in the channel tunnel with people seeking to enter Britain for asylum through hazardous boat crossings organised by people smugglers.  These crossings are dangerous and this week resulted in tragic loss of life.** I don’t intend to engage with the detail of… Continue reading Reforming the asylum system

Why would asylum seekers want … or need to come here?

One of the main objections to asylum seekers coming to the UK is that they will have often had to pass through several other countries to get here.  Surely, they should claim asylum in the first “safe” country they come to. I think that this misunderstands how fleeing for safety and shelter works. Imagine that… Continue reading Why would asylum seekers want … or need to come here?