No ifs, no buts: Let's end the Channel crisis trends now
Every prime minister since 2010 has promised to find a solution to the seemingly intractable issue of illegal migration.
So far it has eluded them. But is that about to change? Rishi Sunak has pledged to crack down on the small boats bringing migrants across the Channel – no ifs, no buts.
In truth, he has little choice – regaining control of Britain's borders is crucial to Tory prospects at the next election.
Most voters are horrified that thousands are landing unlawfully on our beaches and strolling with impunity into new lives here.
The best way to stop this appalling scandal is to convince migrants that coming to the UK without permission is futile.
DAILY MAIL COMMENT: Every prime minister since 2010 has promised to find a solution to the seemingly intractable issue of illegal migration
Mr Sunak's flagship Bill hinges on barring Channel migrants from claiming asylum here, then detaining and deporting them swiftly. That would be a powerful deterrent.
However, his plans face major obstacles. Even before it was published, the legislation had run into fierce opposition from the Left – Labour, the Whitehall 'blob', shroud-waving charities and human rights lawyers.
They will use every trick in the book to resist attempts to remove those who have no right to be here, thwarting a government trying to enact the British people's wishes.
To the liberal orthodoxy, every Channel-hopper is fleeing war and death. The reality is, the majority are economic migrants.
Predictably, Labour carps that the crackdown is 'unworkable'. But what are its answers? Tougher enforcement against traffickers (who operate outside the UK) and accelerating the asylum process (which human rights laws make devilishly tricky).
The truth is, Sir Keir Starmer has no interest in controlling migration
