A petition has been launched calling for migrants to be detained on remote UK islands. The online document, set up by Darren Chandler on September 3, argues that asylum seekers and foreign national criminals should be held away from the general population.
The petition states: "Require the offshore detention of asylum seekers and criminals who are foreign nationals on remote UK islands away from the general population whilst providing them with humanitarian aid and shelter. This could keep the UK population safe and reduce the taxpayer burden.
"We believe asylum seekers should be housed on remote UK islands whilst their claims are processed and receive basic humanitarian support rather than being placed in local communities at the taxpayers' expense. We believe the Government's first duty is to protect British citizens and secure the borders. If the ECHR prevents deportations, they should remain there until they can be returned."
Petition reaches threshold for government response
At the time of writing, the petition has 28,362 signatures. It needed 10,000 to receive a response from the Government. The UK Parliament website has confirmed officials will reply, but it is not known when this will happen.
If the petition gets 100,000 signatures, it will be considered for debate in Parliament. It will stay open until March 3.
Arrests at Gosport protest
It comes as a 38-year-old man has been charged with failing to comply with restrictions imposed on a protest against the arrival of migrants in Gosport after a small boat crossing.
Hampshire Constabulary said around 350 people left Haslar Road at around 2am on Monday after a group of asylum seekers were brought ashore by coastguard, lifeboat and border security staff. The force had imposed conditions under the Public Order Act as well as powers prohibiting the wearing of face coverings.
A total of 12 people were arrested with suspects including 11 men aged between 22 and 59, and one 57-year-old woman. They were arrested on suspicion of offences including assaulting a police officer, drunk and disorderly, failing to comply with conditions put in place on the protest, criminal damage and racially aggravated public order.
Charges and bail
Jamie Bennett, of Thyme Avenue, Whiteley, has been charged with failing to comply with a prohibited assembly direction and was bailed to appear at Portsmouth Magistrates' Court on Thursday, November 26. The other suspects have been released on bail pending further police inquiries.
PA reported that a force spokesman said: "A small number of officers were treated at the scene for injuries, but no-one in attendance from any agency or the public was seriously injured. One person suffering from chest pains was assisted by police officers before our colleagues from South Central Ambulance Service provided treatment."
The arrests came amid increased tensions over small boat crossings with protesters gathering in ports when arrivals are expected.
