This petition was submitted during the 2019-2024 parliament
Petition Take action to prevent illegal attempts to enter UK across the Channel
The Government must take further action to stop illegal attempts to enter the UK across the Channel.
More details
People entering the UK illegally across the Channel are undocumented, and we do not know whether they pose a risk to the country. People entering the country this way also put additional pressure on already overstretched health and public services.
This petition is closed This petition ran for 6 months
Related activity
MPs investigate Channel crossings, migration and asylum
The MPs on the House of Commons Home Affairs Committee have been investigating the reasons behind the growth in migrants crossing the English Channel in small boats, and the UK's response to these crossings.
The Committee has been looking at the role of criminal gangs in facilitating the growth of this form of illegal immigration and the response of UK and French authorities to combat illegal migration and support legal routes to asylum.
Report on Channel crossings, migration and asylum
In July, the Home Affairs Committee published a report on Channel crossings, migration and asylum, which concluded that there is no single solution to dealing with irregular migration. The Committee stated that evidence-driven, fully tested policies were most likely to deter dangerous Channel crossings.
The Government responded to the Committee's report last month, underlining its commitment to tackling illegal migration and stopping dangerous small boats crossings, and setting out its plans to achieve this.
Evidence session on Channel crossings
On 22 October the Home Affairs Committee held a further session where it questioned Home Office officials and the Independent Chief Inspector of Borders and Immigration to examine the current situation with Channel crossings.
At the session MPs asked about:
- recent data on Channel crossings over the summer and the response by UK border force and other agencies
- the changing nationality profile of arrivals
- progress in working with international partners to combat organised crime groups facilitating channel crossings
What is the Home Affairs Committee?
The Home Affairs Committee is a cross-party group of backbench MPs that looks into the work of the Home Office and its associated public bodies.
- Find out more about the Committee
- Follow the Committee on Twitter for updates on its work.
The Home Affairs Committee is a select committee. Find out how select committees work.
Get involved in the work of the UK Parliament
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MPs discuss the Illegal Immigration Bill
On Tuesday 7 March the Secretary of State for the Home Department, Suella Braverman MP, gave a statement to the House of Commons on the Illegal Immigration Bill.
The Minister updated MPs on the purpose and introduction of the Bill.
Following the statement the Minister was questioned by MPs.
What are Ministerial statements?
Ministerial statements are a way for Ministers to bring an important matter to the attention of the House.
What will the Illegal Immigration Bill do?
The Illegal Immigration Bill includes the following measures:
- The Home Secretary will have a legal duty to remove people who have entered the UK illegally
- People who come to the UK illegally will be prevented from settling in the country and will face a permanent ban from returning
People who come here illegally will have their asylum claims deemed inadmissible and considered in a safe third country
Get involved in the work of the UK Parliament
Sign up to the Your UK Parliament newsletter for the latest information on how to get involved and make a difference.
Government makes a statement about illegal immigration
On Monday 5 June, the Secretary of State for the Home Office, Suella Braverman MP, made a statement in the House of Commons about illegal migration.
Following the statement the Minister was questioned by MPs.
What are Ministerial statements?
Ministerial statements are a way for Ministers to bring an important matter to the attention of the House.
Get involved in the work of the UK Parliament
Sign up to the Your UK Parliament newsletter for the latest information on how to get involved and make a difference.