After numerous speeches, digital campaigns, and legislative efforts, the government’s commitment to “stop the boats” carrying migrants across the Channel is not in question. However, there is doubt regarding public confidence in the government’s ability to achieve this goal. Rishi Sunak, in his attempts to address the issue, has only managed to raise criticism while showcasing his inability to make a significant impact. He would not be the first Tory leader to fall into this trap. David Cameron famously promised to cap annual net migration at “tens of thousands,” a target that was never met and only fueled concerns, ultimately benefiting Brexit supporters.
By pandering to the demands of immigration hardliners within the Conservative Party, Mr. Cameron facilitated his own downfall. It is likely too late for Mr. Sunak to learn from this example, as he appears determined to delve deeper into the realm of anti-migrant populism in search of campaign fuel. This week, Robert Jenrick, a Home Office minister, outlined the next steps in the government’s immigration crackdown. While the Illegal Migration Act targets foreign passengers on small boats, disqualifying them from seeking asylum and committing them to detention and deportation, the next phase of the campaign focuses on individuals who employ, house, or facilitate illegal immigrants in any way. Similar to previous measures, this is essentially making actions that were already illegal even more so.
Businesses that hire undocumented migrants are already subject to fines, and landlords are obligated to verify whether potential tenants have permission to reside in the UK. Now, these rules will carry triple the penalties for non-compliance and, for repeat offenders, the penalties will be increased tenfold. While this may have some minor impact in making life more difficult for individuals already residing in Britain without proper visas, the notion that this will deter potential asylum seekers is at best wishful thinking. There is no evidence to support the idea that this mechanism has worked thus far.
A new focus of the stringent measures is the pursuit, by the so-called “professional enablers taskforce,” of lawyers and legal representatives who aid migrants in abusing the immigration system. This follows earlier reports of solicitors colluding in false asylum claims and deliberate deception to obtain refugee status. Engaging in such fraudulent activities is already against the law. The difference now lies in increased condemnation, the establishment of a dedicated taskforce, and stricter penalties.
Conviction in these cases could result in a maximum life imprisonment sentence, longer even than the 10-year term reserved for extreme fraud cases and the 14-year maximum for indecent assault on a child. Although the maximum penalty may not always be applied, it is telling that the government believes lawyers who assist migrants in breaking the rules (in ways not yet specified) should face such lengthy prison sentences.
This approach to criminal justice policy lacks rational evaluation of the actual harm caused. It is detached from reality and driven by excessive emotional fervor on a highly symbolic issue where the prime minister is under pressure to demonstrate toughness but unable to show real progress. Above all, it reflects a government that has nothing substantive to address the pressing issues affecting the majority of people in Britain, yet still possess the ability to fill the void with anger and frustration.
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