Shocking new data has exposed a stark reality: Britain is falling dramatically behind its European counterparts in returning illegal migrants to safe EU countries. While continental nations successfully process thousands of returns, UK figures languish at a near-standstill.
The Startling Numbers Behind the Crisis
Official statistics reveal a damning picture of Britain's ineffective returns system. Since the end of the Brexit transition period, the UK has managed to return just 946 illegal migrants under the Dublin III Regulation's successor arrangements. This pales in comparison to Germany's 6,145 returns and France's 5,046 during the same period.
Even more concerning is the approval rate for UK return requests. Britain's success rate sits at a meagre 28%, while other nations enjoy significantly higher success rates—Sweden leads with 75%, followed by Norway at 74% and Switzerland at 68%.
Why Britain Is Falling Short
Experts point to several critical factors behind Britain's poor performance:
- Post-Brexit agreements: The replacement for the Dublin III Regulation has proven less effective than its predecessor
- Administrative delays: Lengthy processing times hamper return efforts
- Legal challenges: Increased litigation prevents timely removals
- Capacity issues: Insufficient resources dedicated to returns operations
The Political Fallout
The revelation has sparked fierce political debate, with critics accusing the government of failing to secure adequate post-Brexit returns agreements. The figures emerge amidst record numbers of small boat crossings, putting additional pressure on the UK's asylum system and accommodation costs.
Former Brexit Secretary David Davis didn't mince words, stating the returns system has "not worked as well as we hoped," while immigration officials admit privately that the current arrangement lacks the effectiveness of the previous EU mechanism.
What This Means for UK Border Security
The inability to effectively return illegal migrants creates a pull factor for those considering dangerous Channel crossings. With limited risk of being returned to safe European countries, Britain remains an attractive destination despite the dangers of the journey.
This development raises serious questions about the government's ability to control immigration and manage border security effectively, potentially undermining public confidence in the UK's post-Brexit immigration system.
