[ad_1]
The Secretary of the Interior he is committed to making the UK asylum system “firm and fair”, promising “the biggest reform in decades”.
In a speech at the Conservative Party virtual conference, Priti Patel said: “We will protect those most in need and put the rights of those who play by the rules above those who take our country for a spin.”
Ms Patel said that under Conservative leadership, the UK “has provided and will always provide a sanctuary when the lights on people’s freedoms go out.”
He told those who tuned in to the online conference: “A just asylum system should provide a safe haven for those fleeing persecution, oppression or tyranny.”
“But ours doesn’t. Because our asylum system is fundamentally broken. And we have a responsibility to act.”
Commenting before Ms Patel’s speech, Labor MP Nick Thomas-Symonds said: “The British people will see through the shameless comments of the Home Secretary about a ‘broken system’, when the system has been overseen by the conservatives for a decade.
He added: “This is further proof of the conservatives’ lack of compassion and competence.”
In her speech, Ms Patel added: “From the expulsion of Asians from Uganda from a repressive regime, to the proud resettlement of more Syrian refugees than any other EU country, to supporting activists fleeing from the political persecution in Hong Kong.
“Under Conservative leadership, the UK has and will always provide a sanctuary when the lights go out on people’s freedoms.
“So, I will present a new system that is firm and fair.
“Fair and compassionate to those who need our help. Fair in welcoming people through safe and legal routes.
“But firm because we will stop the abuse of the broken system. Firm, because we will stop those who come here illegally making endless legal claims to stay.”
And firm, because we will accelerate the expulsion of those who do not have the right to protection.
“After decades of inaction by successive governments, we will address the moral, legal and practical problems of this broken system. Because what exists now is neither firm nor fair.
“And I will introduce legislation to meet that commitment. I will take all necessary steps to fix this broken system. It amounts to the biggest reform of our asylum system in decades.”
The Interior Minister promised to “accelerate” the operational response to illegal migration.
Adding: “We will continue to persecute the criminal gangs that traffic people to our country.
“I will continue to use the full force of our prominent National Crime Agency and intelligence agencies to pursue them.
“We will make more immediate returns on those who come here illegally and break our rules, every week.
“And we will explore all practical measures and options to deter illegal migration.”
