//there all kinds of reasons for people to seek asylum in the uk rather than France etc….//
Let’s change tack slightly, then. Let’s leave aside our differences on the mechanics of the UK’s asylum application system. Let’s assume, for the sake of argument, that the UK cannot prevent people landing here under the current rules of engagement and that it is obliged to examine individually the merits of every single person landing here in rubber boats.
It is, I would suggest, beyond argument that dealing with this influx at its current levels is causing enormous problems for the authorities. But more important than that, it is also places great stress on the essential services which are already struggling. There are critical problems with housing, healthcare and education. It is costing an absolute fortune and it means that people already here are suffering deprivations as a result.
So with that in mind, do you think it is acceptable that this government (or their successors) should simply accept that the influx must continue indefinitely (and it surely will unless measures are taken to prevent it)? Or do you believe that some radical changes are necessary? I note that your principal strategy is to allow asylum applications to be made from abroad. This is not particularly helpful because (and I know this is argumentative) the UK seems to be a particularly soft touch when examining asylum claims and the rate of success is quite high. So even if that was introduced, it would still not cure the problem. Don’t you think that the UK government has a greater obligation towards those already here who are seeing their vital services deteriorate? Or should ever-increasing amounts of resources simply be diverted to accommodate the needs of the newcomers?