Tory plan to stop small boats will fuel people smuggling, says expert

Immigration Services Union says legislation would divert people on to lorries, as Labour condemns cynical attempt to ‘dupe’ public

New government plans to prevent people from arriving in the UK on small boats which include a permanent ban on them ever settling in the UK are unworkable, the immigration workers’ union and Labour have said.

Rishi Sunak is set to publish new legislation this week aimed at detaining and deporting anyone who enters the UK via unofficial means such as crossing the Channel, as used by just over 45,000 people in 2022.