Rishi Sunak’s plan for small boats ‘will lock up people fleeing war’

Prime minister’s proposed legislation branded ‘a joke’ by former Home Office permanent secretary

Rishi Sunak is facing criticism that his proposed laws on small boat crossings will be unworkable and lead to tens of thousands of people fleeing war and persecution being locked up.

The prime minister is set to publish new legislation this week aimed at detaining and deporting all those who enter the UK via small boats crossing the Channel.