UK-Ireland Migrant Row Escalates as Rees-Mogg Proposes Controversial Plan

A diplomatic row has erupted between the United Kingdom and Ireland over the handling of illegal migrants and asylum seekers. The controversy intensified when Jacob Rees-Mogg, the UK's former Brexit leader, proposed shipping illegal migrants to Ireland via Northern Ireland, drawing sharp criticism from Irish officials.

Why this matters: The UK-Ireland migrant row has significant implications for the European Union's asylum policies and the handling of illegal migration across the continent. A resolution to this dispute could set a precedent for future migrant agreements between EU countries, potentially influencing the lives of thousands of asylum seekers.

The dispute centers around a 2020 agreement between the two nations on migrant returns. Under the deal, the UK accepted 201 migrants for return, but none have actually been sent back, with the UK citing High Court proceedings that prevented the returns. Ireland, for its part, has accepted only seven out of 1,800 asylum seekers sought by the UK, with just one person being returned.

Irish Justice Minister Helen McEntee strongly denounced Rees-Mogg's proposal, as tensions continue to simmer between the two governments. The UK Home Office stated, "We have no legal obligation to accept the returns of illegal migrants from Ireland." Prime Minister Rishi Sunak emphasized that the UK will not accept returns until it can return people who arrive from the European Union.

In response, Irish officials are considering sending migrants directly back to their country of origin if the UK refuses to accept them. The Irish Government is also planning to pass new laws to clear the way for returns. The situation has been compounded by a 500% increase in the number of unaccompanied minors entering Ireland in the last two years, with 597 arriving in 2022 and 527 in 2023.

Ireland is facing record-breaking levels of asylum claims, with 20,000 claims expected by the end of 2024. The UK has offer, opportunity, join, scheme to Ireland, which would involve deporting asylum seekers to Rwanda. However, Irish lawmakers had planned to push through emergency legislation to send migrants back to the UK, a plan rejected by Prime Minister Sunak.

The migrant row between the UK and Ireland continues to escalate, with 1,676 asylum seekers remaining without State accommodation in Ireland. As both governments grapple with the challenges posed by illegal migration and asylum claims, finding a mutually agreeable solution remains elusive. The controversy surrounding Rees-Mogg's proposal underscores the complex and contentious nature of the issue.

Key Takeaways

• UK and Ireland in diplomatic row over handling of illegal migrants and asylum seekers.
• 2020 agreement on migrant returns has seen only 7 out of 1,800 asylum seekers accepted by Ireland.
• UK's Jacob Rees-Mogg proposes shipping illegal migrants to Ireland via Northern Ireland, sparking criticism.
• Ireland considers sending migrants back to country of origin if UK refuses to accept them.
• UK offers Ireland opportunity to join Rwanda deportation scheme, but Irish lawmakers reject it.