According to data from the Home Office, more than 4,600 asylum seekers have arrived in Britain via small boats in the first quarter of 2024, presenting Prime Minister Rishi Sunak with a significant political obstacle.
This figure exceeds last year’s arrivals and sets a new record, surpassing the previous high in 2022.
Sunak’s deportation scheme to Rwanda, intended to deter unauthorized arrivals, has faced delays due to legislative obstacles, with proposed laws returning to parliament for review next month.
The Home Office stresses the importance of initiating flights to Rwanda, citing the rising number of Channel crossings as justification for the deportation plan.
Collaboration with French authorities continues in efforts to prevent these hazardous and illegal journeys.
Despite a decrease in annual asylum seeker numbers last year compared to 2022, the recent surge in arrivals adds pressure on Prime Minister Sunak, especially as immigration remains a key concern for voters, with the Conservative Party lagging behind in opinion polls.
Labour’s immigration spokesperson, Stephen Kinnock, criticizes Sunak’s response, highlighting discrepancies between government rhetoric and the reality of increasing small boat arrivals.
