New law to stop illegal migrant boats set out by UK

The UK government has put forward controversial new legislation seeking to stop tens of thousands of migrants reaching the country illegally in boats every year.

Interior Minister Suella Braverman said the migrants would be detained on arrival, and swiftly deported.

They would only be able to claim asylum once returned to their countries of origin, or to Rwanda, which has signed an agreement to take them in – although this has been held up in the courts.

Ms Braverman said this was the only way to stop people coming to the UK.

Rights groups have said the law risks criminalising thousands of genuine refugees.

The minister has admitted the legislation may break human rights laws.

Meanwhile the opposition Labour Party has branded the new bill a con, accusing the governing Conservatives of being unable to tackle to issue properly.