Asylum and migration policies have formed a prominent part of the UK’s general election campaigning. Rishi Sunak’s “stop the boats” slogan is accompanied by a promise asylum seekers will be sent to Rwanda if he wins the election.
Both main parties have promised to end the use of hotels to accommodate asylum seekers, and to cut the asylum backlog. Plans for a new “Border Security Command” form a key pillar of Keir Starmer’s programme for government.
Migrant deaths and policies around asylum sit among a wider context of the treatment of refugees in Europe, said Ravishaan Rahel Muthiah, communications director at the Joint Council for the Welfare of Immigrants.
“The vicious actions of the Greek coastguard is the culmination of ‘stop the boats’ policies across Europe. Our border policies are murderous,” said Muthiah.
“Our politicians must see this as a warning of things to come, if they do not immediately halt their divisive language and policies on asylum, this Greek tragedy will be seen on British shores. The time is well overdue for a politics of care and welcome to people who move.”
Denying the allegations, the Greek coastguard told the BBC its staff acted in full compliance with international law, and added: “It should be highlighted that from 2015 to 2024, the Hellenic Coast Guard has rescued 250,834 refugees/migrants in 6,161 incidents at sea. The impeccable execution of this noble mission has been positively recognized by the international community.”
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