Asylum changes: Breaking law a nasty habit for this Tory Govt

In response to the "New Plan for Immigration" being set out by the Home Office today, Liberal Democrats Home Affairs Spokesperson Alistair Carmichael MP said:

"Priti Patel's proposals aren't just cruel, they undermine the UK's commitments under the Refugee Convention. Breaking international law is becoming a nasty habit for this Conservative Government.

"People fleeing war and persecution - as the vast majority of those claiming asylum in the UK have - don't stop to check if their travel plans are OK with the Home Secretary. And nor should they have to. They must be welcomed with compassion, not treated like criminals.

"Nothing Priti Patel is proposing today will solve the dysfunction at the heart of the Home Office. It won't deliver dignity for asylum seekers or fairness for taxpayers.

"Instead of these unnecessary, inhumane policies, the Liberal Democrats are calling on the Government to provide safe and legal routes to sanctuary for refugees. That's the best way to tackle people smugglers and human traffickers, and to prevent people making dangerous attempts to cross the Channel."