UK set to lose ability to deport Asylum Seekers to EU countries

The UK is set to lose its ability to send asylum seekers back to other EU countries after the Brexit transition period ends.

EU negotiators are said to have rejected a British request for a migration pact that would allow the government to return asylum seekers to other European countries.

British negotiators reported requested new rules similar to the Dublin Regulation, which binds EU member states to process certain asylum claims at the request of their neighbours. Whilst this is an extremely controversial protocol it is feared that legal challenges post Brexit would see the bulk of those claiming asylum being allowed to stay in the UK despite the fact they have entered illegally and for many people they are not genuine asylum seekers

According to reports, on Friday, the EU’s chief Brexit negotiator Michel Barnier is expected to speak out on the situation which has seen an increasing number of migrant boats landing on the Kent coast over the last few weeks.

With the current rules certain asylum seekers can be returned to the member state where they first entered the EU even if they claimed asylum in another country such as the UK.

It is estimated that upwards of 5000 have crossed the Channel in small boats so far this year, with record numbers of migrants reaching the UK in one day.