Ministers are under intense pressure to end the Channel migrant crisis (Image: Getty)
The UK should take in 10,000 refugees under a new “refugee visa” to prevent them crossing the Channel in a small boat, ministers have been told.
Politicians said the flow of is “likely to increase this year”.
The All-Party Parliamentary Group on Refugees claimed more safe and legal routes are the only way to prevent more people dying in the English Channel.
They urged ministers to set up a “refugee visa” which allows the UK to take in up to 10,000 people. The APPG even suggested Labour should begin negotiations with the EU about the visa becoming “European wide”, potentially opening the UK up to more migrants arriving on the continent.
Keir Starmer has vowed to take action on smuggling gangs (Image: Getty)
Reform UK MP Lee Anderson: “This year has seen a record number of boat crossings—and a record number of deaths. This only reinforces the need to prioritise deterrence over border processing and detention.
“Our government is, in many ways, encouraging these crossings. Migrants know they will be met with free hotels and warm blankets rather than being swiftly returned to their country of origin.
“This reckless policy is putting lives at risk and must end.
“The APPG migrant report reveals that other countries, unwilling to accept high numbers of refugees, are instead directing them towards the UK.
“The current approach is simply unsustainable and unrealistic. It’s time to leave the ECHR and end mass illegal immigration.”
The Home Office was urged to copy Switzerland’s humanitarian visa, which prioritises people “in immediate, serious and complete danger to life and limb”.
The Swiss Government also considers the applicant’s link to the country.
If they are granted access, they have 90 days to lodge an asylum claim.
Lord Alf Dubs and Laura Kyrke-Smith, co-chairs of the APPG, said: “The year [2024] saw a record number of people dying attempting to cross the Channel.
“No matter your political persuasion, it is incumbent on all of us to seek to limit this tragic loss of life.
“To do this, we must be open to explore the role of safe and legal routes which has been the focus of our inquiry over the past year.”
Their report added: “The APPG is recommending the UK Government build on the evidence of the Swiss visa scheme and consult on the introduction of a pilot refugee visa, capped with nationality specific criteria initially.
“The APPG proposes the UK Government consult on the workings of a refugee visa targeted at high grant rate countries such as Sudan and Eritrea. This should be capped to issue no more than 10,000 visas during the period of the pilot.”
The group of MPs and Lords said “current safe and legal routes are inaccessible and inadequate, leaving many with no choice but to undertake dangerous journeys.
“Well-designed safe routes can reduce reliance on people smugglers.”
But critics warned creating a stronger deterrent is the only way to end Channel migrant crossings.
Shadow Home Office minister Matt Vickers MP said: “We need to stop hiding behind words around the increasing number of illegal immigrants crossing the Channel under Labour.
“When Labour got rid of the only deterrent to illegal immigration, they laid out the red carpet and signalled open season for people traffickers.
“The only way to stop this vile trade is to put deterrents in place, and deport illegal immigrants when they arrive.”
Lord Alf Dubs added: “Safe routes save lives. This report makes it clear that, alongside enforcement measures, the Government must prioritise creating pathways that give people a safe and legal way to reach the UK.”