Small boats clampdown unworkable, Sunak told

The prime minister is set to publish legislation this week aimed at detaining and deporting all those who enter the UK “illegally” by small boat across the Channel.

- Rowena Mason and Rajeev Syal

Rishi Sunak is facing criticism that his proposed laws on small boat crossings will be unworkable and lead to tens of thousands of people fleeing war and persecution being locked up.

A Whitehall source briefed on the plan said even children could be detained with their families as the government seeks to stop an estimated 60,000 people a year from making the perilous journey from mainland Europe.

Previous plans to deport those entering the UK by small boat to Rwanda have been rejected by the courts, but No 10 and the Home Office are proposing to insert a “brake” on human rights legislation in an attempt to stop legal challenges.

However, campaigners are extremely concerned that it will lead to the inhumane and costly detention of tens of thousands of asylum seekers. The only safe routes currently available to those wishing to seek asylum in the UK are through limited schemes for Ukraine, Afghanistan and Hong Kong.

Former Conservative ministers and an ex-permanent secretary of the Home Office, Sir David Normington, cast doubts on the feasibility of the plans, especially without any agreement with France aimed at preventing small boats setting off or reaching the UK.