Advertising helps fund Big Issue’s mission to end poverty
Opinion

It's time to offer a safe route for asylum seekers arriving in boats

The government's policy on asylum seekers isn't working. This reader has a suggestion for how the UK can step up to prevent more drownings

People marching and holding a Care4Calais banner that says refugees welcome

March Against Racism in Central London, 2022. Image: Alisdare Hickson on Flickr, CC2.0

Solution not persecution. We, as a nation, have blood on our hands. Too many have drowned. We are incapable of management (the process of dealing with or controlling things, or people). We can stop the drownings, curb the gangs and recover some national pride. How about BIG BOATS? We hire Brittany Ferries, (that will please the French) and offer a SAFE route for asylum seekers.

In French ports we board people with any documentation. We process them on board. Obvious failures are disembarked. We then sail for the UK. We rotate the locations of dockings so that all these sad souls are not all dumped in Kent. Successful applicants will have access to funds to get them started in the UK, rather than refugees giving that money to organised crime gangs. By docking at several ports in turn in the UK, local government can have respite before it is their turn again.

By processing on board the boats there are no pinch points and whatever is required, such as fingerprinting or biometric identification can be carried out in comfort and safety. Unaccompanied children and those who were sex trafficked at some stage of their journey can be identified and given assistance by support groups. Job centre staff can match our migrants to job vacancies. I think we can look after the good people and dishearten the crooks, but only if we shout down the naysayers.

Chris Sames, North Yorkshire

Do you have a story to tell or opinions to share about this? We want to hear from you. Get in touch and tell us more.

Advertising helps fund Big Issue’s mission to end poverty

Buy a Vendor Support Kit for £36.99

Change a life this Christmas. Every kit purchased helps keep vendors earning, warm, fed and progressing.

Recommended for you

View all
After growing up in poverty, I know the anger 4.5 million children must feel
Georgia Sullivan

After growing up in poverty, I know the anger 4.5 million children must feel

People are finally talking about asylum hotels – so why stop now?
A person holding a banner saying 'Refugees Welcome'.
Layla Hussain

People are finally talking about asylum hotels – so why stop now?

Climate justice cannot wait – COP30 must hear the voices from the frontline
Peter Waddup

Climate justice cannot wait – COP30 must hear the voices from the frontline

My great aunt was threatened with eviction from her care home. Here's how I fought for her rights
Rose Williams

My great aunt was threatened with eviction from her care home. Here's how I fought for her rights