Double-Win on Small Boats

Rishi Sunak, Chancellor of the Exchequer, has declared a double-win on small boats as he kicks off a crucial election year. He announced that the backlog of 92,000 legacy asylum cases has finally been cleared, marking a significant milestone in the government's efforts to tackle illegal migration.

Record Drop in Channel Crossings

Official statistics also reveal that total Channel crossings in 2023 were down on the previous year for the first time ever. In fact, there was a staggering 64% decrease in the final three months of the year. This decrease is seen as a major accomplishment in the government's mission to end illegal immigration.

Focused on Rwanda Flights

Despite the success in clearing the asylum backlog, Sunak emphasized that he remains focused on getting Rwanda flights off the ground by spring. This plan, aimed at tackling illegal immigration, has faced legal challenges but Sunak remains optimistic about its implementation.

Tackling Illegal Immigration as Key Election Issue

As both major political parties gear up for the 2024 election, the Conservative Party is positioning itself as the leader in tackling illegal immigration. Prime Minister Sunak and his team believe they are making significant progress in this area and plan to highlight it as a central issue in their campaign.

Success in Clearing Backlog

Last year, around 112,000 asylum claims were processed, resulting in 86,800 decisions on cases in the legacy backlog. Of these decisions, 67% of asylum claims were granted, although this is a decrease from the previous year. Additionally, 77,000 cases reached a final result, with 51,190 migrants being granted asylum.

Remaining Challenges

While progress has been made, there are still around 98,000 asylum claims remaining in the total backlog. Furthermore, immigration experts warn that 2023 may see more crossings than the previous year, citing factors such as bad weather and other confounding variables. The government acknowledges these challenges and remains committed to finding effective solutions.

Call for Further Action

Former immigration minister Robert Jenrick argues that clearing the asylum backlog is only managing the symptoms of the problem and calls for more action to stop illegal arrivals. Labour's shadow immigration minister Stephen Kinnock criticizes the government, highlighting that the asylum backlog has increased eightfold under the Tories.

Conclusion

Despite the challenges that lie ahead, Rishi Sunak and the Conservative Party are celebrating the clearance of the legacy asylum cases and the decrease in Channel crossings. As the election year unfolds, the government's efforts to tackle illegal immigration will continue to be in the spotlight.