Immigration Minister Robert Jenrick faces criticism over the government’s stance on Sudanese refugees
Immigration Minister Robert Jenrick has stated that the UK Government will not implement a Ukraine-style refugee scheme for Sudanese asylum seekers. The announcement comes amid growing fears of more Sudanese refugees crossing the English Channel in small boats to claim asylum in the UK. Jenrick defended the government’s stance after being challenged in the House of Commons.
Due to the ongoing conflict in Sudan, the UK has deployed troops to the African nation to evacuate some of the 4,000 British passport holders desperate to escape the violence. As these individuals continue to seek a way out, there are concerns that the number of Sudanese refugees arriving in the UK via small boats across the English Channel will increase. Between 2018 and 2022, government figures show that 5,467 people from Sudan are known to have reached the UK by small boat. However, Jenrick remains firm that a Ukraine-style refugee scheme will not be introduced, and there are no immediate plans to expand safe and legal routes to the UK.
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Jenrick argued that the government’s consistent stance is that those in peril should seek sanctuary in the first safe country, with support provided by the UK through its development budget and other measures to aid the UNHCR and organisations operating in neighbouring countries. The Minister’s position was challenged by the SNP’s Alison Thewliss, who cited a UNHCR statement clarifying that there is no mechanism for refugees to approach the UNHCR to seek asylum in the UK, nor an asylum visa or queue.
Jenrick stood firm on his stance, stating that he had discussed the matter directly with the assistant commissioner of the UNHCR. Social media users criticised the Minister’s response, with some accusing him of disregarding facts and objective truth. The UNHCR statement highlighted that resettlement opportunities to the UK are minimal, with no quota for any nationality currently in place, and only around 100 individuals arriving in the UK per month through resettlement programmes.
Parliament’s website explains that to claim asylum in the UK, a person must be physically present in the country, and it is not possible to apply from outside the UK. There is no asylum visa, and entering or remaining in the UK without the required permission is an offence.
Despite growing concerns over the increase of Sudanese refugees attempting to cross the English Channel in small boats, the UK Government, led by Immigration Minister Robert Jenrick, has decided not to implement a Ukraine-style refugee scheme for Sudanese asylum seekers. The government’s stance has been met with criticism, particularly in light of the UNHCR’s clarification that there is no existing mechanism for refugees to approach the organisation to seek asylum in the UK.
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I Congratulate Robert Jenrick for being the first and only Minister to refuse a Refugee Scheme for Sudanese immigrants, I’d vote for Jenrick if he stood for PM if he continues to be on the same side of the People of this Country.