Immigration Minister Robert Jenrick said on Tuesday that Britain would adopt “very aggressive” policies to tackle irregular immigration, as record numbers of people cross the English Channel on small boats.
“I fear we will have to look at more radical options to make sure our laws are adequate, to return undocumented migrants quickly and to stop people coming to the UK,” Jenrick told BBC radio.
“The UK cannot continue to be a magnet for economic migrants,” he said.
So far this year 40,000 people have made the perilous crossing from the mainland to England via the English Channel, and the government predicts that number will reach 50,000 by the end of the year.
Jenrick spoke out after Interior Secretary Suella Braverman sparked controversy by calling the influx of migrants an “invasion” on Monday.
Asked about Braverman’s comments, Jenrick told Sky News: “In a position like mine, you have to choose your words very carefully.”
“I would never demonize people who come to this country in search of a better life. I understand and appreciate our obligation to refugees,” he said.
The UK has a deal with Rwanda to allow irregular asylum seekers to wait in the African country while their applications are processed.
Currently, this controversial agreement is suspended following the decision of the European Court of Justice.
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© Agence France-Presse
