Former U.K. Home Secretary Suella Braverman is urging developed countries to take action to limit both legal and illegal immigration, as voters are demanding robust measures from their representatives. Braverman, who served from October 2022 to November 2023, has been a vocal advocate for reducing immigration levels and enforcing laws related to border control. She has also supported the U.K.’s plan to send illegal immigrants to Rwanda in an effort to deter illegal crossings, similar to successful models in Australia.
Despite efforts to address illegal immigration, Braverman highlights that legal immigration remains a significant challenge, with net migration figures reaching over 700,000 in the U.K. in recent years. This influx contradicts previous government pledges to reduce immigration numbers, with the issue becoming a major concern for voters. The proposed Rwanda scheme aims to disrupt the activities of people-smuggling gangs and deter individuals from making the dangerous journey to the U.K. by relocating them to a third country.
While the U.K.’s plan to send a plane of illegal immigrants to Rwanda was blocked by the European Court of Human Rights and the U.K.’s Supreme Court, the issue of adhering to international conventions and human rights laws has been a point of contention. Braverman argues for the U.K. to leave the European Convention on Human Rights and repeal the Human Rights Act in order to prioritize border control and address illegal migration effectively. The need for political will and decisive action is crucial in addressing the challenges posed by migration.
Braverman’s concerns are not unique to the U.K., as other countries in the European Union also struggle with controlling illegal migration and managing overall immigration numbers. The U.S. is facing its own migration crisis at the U.S.-Mexico border, with a surge in numbers over the past several years. Braverman, who has met with DHS Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas, believes that immigration will be a significant issue in the upcoming U.S. presidential election, as communities across America are feeling the impact of migration and are demanding solutions and increased border control measures.
As a prominent figure within the Conservative Party and a potential future leader, Braverman warns that the global migration crisis requires a coherent plan from the international community and a demonstration of political will from developed countries to address the issue effectively. Solutions to the challenges posed by migration will be a key factor in upcoming elections, as voters demand action from their elected officials to protect their communities and enforce meaningful border control measures. The urgency of the situation calls for decisive leadership and a commitment to addressing the complexities of migration on a global scale.
