On the record

Yesterday, in the Commons the Pm seemed to say that the "hostile environment" of then Home Secretary May is bing reintroduced.

And that those cheating the immigration system would be sent back.

A Tory MP and stated that there were legal routes for people from four countries, including Afghanistan for genuine refugees.

Last week it was revealed how many people from Afghanistan who helped UK forces in theatre had been granted alsylum here in the UK.

It is 4.

(four)

In nearly 18 months.

For those from the other three countries, there is no realy legal route here.

Just illegeal ones, via the small boats, people smugglers and the Channel.

Those that survive the crossing, having paid thousands of pounds to risk their lives to get here, are then kept in illeagal (under UK law) conditions, so that many contracted infectious diseases.

Up to 90% of those who claim asylum have that granted or leave to appeal.

If there were legal ways to claim in France or elsewhere, they would not have to risk their lives, pay people smugglers thousands of pounds, and not cost us the taxpayers, millions in securty patrols by the Navy and Border Force.

If, when we left the EU, the UK renegotiated the terms of the Dublin Agreement with France and other countries along the Channel and North Sea, those who did not get asylum could be sent back.

But it suits the politicians to be cruel and be seen to be cruel.

Spaff millions in taxpayer's money.

All so that the most desperate risk their lives, spend what little they have.

History will not be kind.



Adendum:

As I was writing this a rescure operation was under way in the Channel as another boat had sunk, and three bodies were pulled out of the sea. THis was avoidable, as were all the previous deaths.

Hopes and prayers are not enough.

Actions, not words.

Immigragration is not illeagal.

Being cruel, even the deaths, is the point.

None of this, the harsh environment, the prison camps, none of it has made a difference.

It is the cruelty that matters. Red meat to Brexiteers and xenophobes.