Your Attack On Small Boats Law Is 'Wrong', Archbishop

THE Archbishop of Canterbury is "wrong" for attacking efforts to tackle illegal migration, ministers said last night.

- Sam Lister and Katie Harris

In a highly political intervention, Justin Welby said new laws to stop small boat arrivals were impractical and would hurt the UK's global standing.

Critics accused the head of the Church of England of "hand-wringing" and said there is "nothing moral" about allowing vulnerable people to be smuggled across the Channel.

Immigration minister Robert Jenrick said Mr Welby was "wrong on both counts".

He added: "Firstly, there's nothing moral about allowing the pernicious trade of people smugglers to continue.

"I disagree with him respectfully. By bringing forward this proposal we make it clear, if you come across illegally on a small boat you will not find a route to life in the UK." Unelected peers are expected to try to make significant changes to the Illegal Migration Bill. The legislation aims to stop the small boats crisis by giving the Government powers to ignore some European court rulings.

Mr Jenrick said: "It's important the House of Lords plays its constitutional function scrutinising legislation. But I strongly disagree with some of the comments in the House of Lords today.

"This is the right approach. We have to tackle illegal migration and we have to bring control back to our borders." Downing Street insisted the legislation was "compassionate and fair" and would provide an effective solution.