After years of political rhetoric about stopping the boats and crushing the gangs public opinion has rightly encouraged local elected representatives to take action. 

The issue that took place in Epping rightly promoted “people” to shout with a loud voice. The migrant involved was found guilty. This was just waiting to happen. It should never have taken place – we have a moral responsibility to make sure this behaviour doesn’t happen again. Women and children must be safe.There is concern.

The Court decision to close a hotel in Epping following the brave urgent action by the local Council demonstrates  U.K. citizens frustration –  how fed up many are with the illegal immigration situation. The Council made a big noise.

We have been going round in circles often to appease liberal thinking and not listening to the demand for serious action to be taken. 

The CPF Workshop that we held in Eastern Region in July set out what needed to be done.

Other Councils in the U.K. may be thinking about taking legal action 

But 

note they are addressing local planning rules 

not the immigration issue. 

Why has it come to this.

The government and owners of the Bell Hotel in Epping  Appealed and the injunction removed by the Appeal Court which has further annoyed people – it was based on “planning rules” for the 138 residents to live in that hotel. Not whether illegal migrants entering the country should be housed in a hotel and / or in Housing of Multiple Occupation (HMO’s).

The issue presented by the protesters in Epping and elsewhere goes much wider. That issue may be discussed at the High Court Hearing in October.

At last the government are taking action to close asylum hotels and detain illegal migrants in secure ministry of defence sites. Let’s see whether their new approach will work.

If a person(s) enters the U.K. on a ferry or flight (and during the journey destroys their identity papers) they would be prevented by the UK Border Control from entering the country. They would be immediately detained and sent back to the place they departed from. They would be defined as illegal migrants. With no papers a non person. 

The same should apply to migrants on boats

The Court of Appeal appeared to rule the government had a responsibility (under the ECHR) to accept any illegal migrant. This needs to change.

• In effect we have an open border –
• Surely we cannot accept that

Magic for the boat trafficking gangs – don’t be surprised if we get another 50,000 illegals during the coming months.

We are discussing illegal migrants entering the country and then seeking asylum and with that latter status they are housed in hotels and / or HMO’s. A cost that we should refuse.

Note these hotel residents must not be moved into HMO’s which will be even worse. They should be deported.

50,000 illegal migrants have crossed the English Channel since July 2024 –  many are young males with no identity papers. The cost to the U.K. has become unsustainable, more to the point a nuisance factor for those living in the vicinity where the illegal migrants are being housed, not just in hotels but in HMO’s. The situation is out of control.

Being liberal and tolerant has encouraged illegal migrants to come to the U.K. hoping for a fast track asylum decision. The political system has been weak, complacent, avoided rocking the boat. Scared of racist taunts and political correctness.

What Needs to Happen 

If a migrant enters the U.K. on a boat, they are illegal immigrants, but they can claim asylum and are then housed in a hotel or local houses (HMO’s) and their status legalised – they are fed or given vouchers or cash. They can wander around and some work illegally on the black. They may have no identity papers, we do not know who they are and likely to remain for +/-  months whilst their asylum application is processed. The backlog is about 12 months. They often practice their own culture and ethical standards. 

This should cease

If migrants enter the country illegally they relinquish their right to be given the title of “legal migrant”. They should be deported.

Nobody is saying that a person running away from war, famine, abuse, ethnic cleansing and any other form of oppression doesn’t have a right to try and find safe haven and seek asylum but we must insist they can only be considered under strict legal UK common law rules as against unfettered illegal immigration.

The illegal migrants should be held in controlled detention centres where they can be registered then immediately deported. No exceptions. They should not be allowed to leave these centres until deported as they have lost their right to asylum. Whilst awaiting deportation no internet available and mobiles confiscated. In other words a full active 24/7 detention.

The message would spread – future migrants would realise that paying the gangs to bring them to the U.K. in boats gave them no asylum rights.

The deterrent mode – a lack of freedom and deportation to either their place of origin or a nominated safe place.

We have to stop the boats and smash the trafficking gangs. The French and German deals will assist but that is not going to stop illegal immigration but it is a start. The evil gangs will just adapt, increase the size of the boats – already they are able to accommodate about 50 migrants in each boat.

The EU should pause Schengen and free movement in all member states

Those who have committed any crime in the U.K. should always be placed in a highly secure place before deportation back to their country of origin. 

Legal routes need to be fully operational as the only way to enter the U.K. seeking asylum. This would involve establishing recognised Centres in safe places where applications can be made. Asylum applications could be opened online.

All (legal) migrants registered, (personal details, where they come from and intend to reside –  a strict due diligence process). Required to sign and state an oath agreeing to abide only by U.K. rules, law and culture. Only then issued with a limited period e-Visa and an ID card for employment and residence.

No dependants to accompany the legal immigrant – which appears on the governments agenda – until they have paid UK taxes and proof of residence for a fixed period (perhaps 10 years) before a dependant can join them. The earning cap rule should be increased to well over £40k

Maritime law should be changed to allow boats to be turned round and pushed back.

No further debate 

but solid 

practical common sense action. 

If necessary 

Exit the ECHR

Wilfred Aspinall – Without Prejudice)- Member of Hitchin Conservative Association – Eastern Region CPF Ambassador – Former Chair – Forum in the European Parliament for Construction and Energy Users