The rise in small boat arrivals via the Channel has become an increasingly prominent political issue over the past few years. But so far – despite a range of measures by the Government – there appears to have been little impact on crossings.

According to this report there are concrete steps which the Government can take to mount a progressive and pragmatic response to the rise in small boat arrivals. It proposes a series of measures, grounded in these core principles:

• promoting a well-managed and fair asylum system
• evidence based and demonstrating value for money
• respecting the rights and dignity of people crossing the Channel
• guarding against racial discrimination
• upholding the rule of law and fostering international cooperation.

Published in October 2023 by the Institute for Public Policy Research.