Now is not the time to change tack on migration

Of what is happening on the Channel, we know this for certain: it is not a crisis. Only 239 foreign nationals have crossed unauthorised since November, a rounding error in the 625,000 legal migrants and 15,170 asylum seekers and other protectees granted leave in the UK in the year to June 2018. We know this isn’t a real crisis, too, because the Home Secretary has cut short his holiday to manage it. There is nothing phonier than a minister dragging his family away from the beach to get his best serious face in the Sun. Thomas Cook probably offers insurance for the eventuality: ‘Might have to return home early to be beasted on the Today programme? Buy peace of mind with our new John Humphrys (In-Studio) Premium Cover’.

What’s more, the Church of England says it’s not a crisis — and they would know. The charity Help Refugees says it’s not a crisis. So it’s with some trepidation that I contend that, actually, it is a bit of a crisis. Not a big one. A mini crisis. Not a full-blown one. A cris-ish. Britain is not about to be overrun by a few hundred desperate Iranians and Afghans. If they get lairy, I reckon we can take them. What we can’t take is this notion that you can cross the English Channel illicitly and be automatically allowed to stay here. Not because a nice vicar on the radio said so. Not because it would make some of us feel virtuous. Not even because it’s Christmas and there are movies about loveable hobos on television.

Refugees entering the UK ought to be extended their full rights under the 1971 Act, the ECHR and the UNRC and their claims ought to be processed speedily and compassionately. It is not always clear who is a refugee and who is an economic migrant and that takes time and resources.