Scottish and Welsh ministers condemn ‘barbaric’ UK Government proposals on Channel crossings

Both the Scottish and Welsh governments have “far-reaching concerns about the impact of the provisions” in the new UK Government Bill

The letter comes after 27 people lost their lives trying to cross the English Channel in November – a journey which has resulted in 166 people being recorded as either dead or missing since 2014. Picture: Gareth Fuller/PA

Ministers in Scotland and Wales have jointly condemned as “barbaric” measures in the UK Government’s Nationality and Borders Bill – as well as warning the legislation may need approval from the parliaments in Edinburgh and Cardiff.

Scottish Social Justice Secretary Shona Robison and her Welsh counterpart Jane Hutt have written a joint letter to UK Home Secretary Priti Patel to demand the UK reconsider its “hostile environment strategy” and develop “sufficient safe and legal routes” for asylum seekers.