An increase in the number of detention centres, with the sop of providing a bail hearing within seven days and written explanation for detention. The creation of airline liaison officers at foreign ports. British officials will be sent overseas and asylum seekers will be forced to make their applications to these officers at the point of departure. However, as many refugees are forced to leave their own country under a false identity and in great personal danger this measure will open them up to attack if they are turned down. Michael O'Brien, Minister for Immigration, said in Parliament last week that there would be the equivalent of a jumbo-jet full of asylum seekers flooding into Britain each day unless something was done.
Statistics reveal a different story.
Immigration control is already so stringent that the majority of refugees are denied access. Immigrants are regularly blamed for placing a strain on public spending for vital social services. The potential savings each year by slashing the welfare rights of immigrants cannot resolve the pressing social needs of millions throughout Britain for decent housing, education and health. Labour's policies are ideologically driven. The assault on the democratic rights of immigrants is coupled with the destruction of democratic and social rights of all working people.