This briefing paper discusses the on-going war of words between the Government and refugee advocates over recent rhetoric on asylum and illegal migration. It sets out the complexities and challenges facing Britain's asylum system and makes the case for co-operation between both sides over increased participation in international resettlement schemes.
Key points
- The current Home Secretary and refugee advocates appear to be poles apart on Britain’s attitude towards asylum.
- Yet they seem to agree that safe and legal routes for refugees to come to the UK would save lives and save money. It would have many other benefits too.
- To achieve that will require both sides to shift their position. And the tensions and complexities to be resolved, and the compromises required, are not just a feature of the UK asylum system, but part of a global system from which the UK cannot stand apart, and is itself in urgent need of reform.
Download The Report: PDF