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.

And they are calling for Ms Patel to have talks with them before the end of the year, as they have been “no ministerial meetings in relation to these matters”.

The Scottish and Welsh governments want a meeting with Home Secretary Priti Patel before the end of this year (Aaron Chown/PA)

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.

The Nationality and Borders Bill – which cleared the House of Commons on Monday – seeks to curb these crossings and also change how asylum claims are processed.

Both the Scottish and Welsh governments have “far-reaching concerns about the impact of the provisions” in the Bill, the Ms Patel was told.

Ms Robison and Ms Hutt stated: “This legislation contains measures that will prevent migrants crossing the English Channel in small boats, including the barbaric suggestions for ‘push-back’ exercises involving enforcement officials seeking to repel small boats.

“Rather than help matters, these measures will delay rescues and endanger lives.”

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The Scottish and Welsh politicians told Ms Patel this contradicts the UK’s “obligation under maritime laws and conventions to guarantee people’s safety”.

Ms Robison and Ms Hutt make clear their governments “do not believe that increased marine or beach patrols, diversion, criminalisation, changes to legal status or reduced support to those who arrive in the UK” will deter people from seeking to enter the UK.

They also told the Home Secretary: “Scotland and Wales have always played their part in providing sanctuary to those fleeing conflict and persecution and we stand ready to do so again.”