The UK government has abandoned its plan to turn migrant small boats back to the French side of the English Channel ahead of a judicial review of the policy.
Campaign groups that were challenging the tactic said on Monday that it was informed by the government’s legal department that the policy had been withdrawn by the Home Office.
The Public and Commercial Services Union (PCS) and Care4Calais said a three-day hearing on their challenge of the tactic along with Channel Rescue and Freedom from Torture was previously scheduled for May 3, adding, “The judicial review claims have now been withdrawn.”
PCS said the letter from the government legal department said that the policy and procedures had been withdrawn and that the Ministry of Defence joint commander who was taking over Channel operations had not had permission to authorise the use of turnaround tactics.
“It also said that if a decision were taken to use turnaround tactics in the future, it would only be after a full consideration of all relevant matters,” PCS said.
PCS General Secretary Mark Serwotka called the withdrawal a “humiliating climbdown by the government” and a “stunning victory for Home Office workers and for refugees.”
“There is little doubt that lives have been saved. The pushbacks manoeuvre is extremely dangerous and represents a clear risk to life and limb. We were simply not prepared to allow our members to be placed in this horrendous position,” Serwotka said.
“PCS reiterates our call for the government to abandon their dangerous and reckless approach to asylum and immigration; and to negotiate with us on a humane process that allows for safe passage and protects both our members and refugees.”
The Home Office confirmed that the policy has been withdrawn and that the tactics are not currently in use, but defended its right to consider all options.
“The entire government is united in our efforts to prevent these lethal crossings and break the business model of the criminal gangs exploiting people,” a spokesperson said.
“It is right that we consider all safe and legal options to stop these unnecessary journeys, including turning boats around.
“As we have set out previously, this tactic fully complies with both domestic and international law, however, there are extremely limited circumstances when you can safely turn boats back in the English Channel.”
So far this year, More than 6,500 people have entered the UK illegally by crossing the English Channel from Europe in small boats.
On the same day, the government unveiled a new deal with Rwanda, which would allow it to relocate illegal immigrants to the African nation for processing.
