Following the tragic deaths of 12 migrants in the English Channel, Green Party co-leader Carla Denyer has called for a more compassionate approach to asylum policies. The incident, which claimed the lives of six children and a pregnant woman, highlights the dangers faced by those attempting the perilous journey from France to the UK. Speaking to BBC South East, Denyer expressed deep sorrow, stating that Green Party members are “heartbroken” by the ongoing loss of life. She emphasized that past governments have failed to create policies that effectively address the root causes of the crisis.
Denyer firmly believes that increasing enforcement measures will not solve the issue. Instead, she advocates for the introduction of safe and legal routes for asylum seekers. According to Denyer, allowing individuals to apply for asylum safely from overseas would prevent dangerous attempts to cross the Channel. While the Green Party envisions a long-term goal of a world without borders, Denyer clarified that such a vision is not part of their current manifesto. In the present, the party is focusing on policies that promote compassion and recognize the positive contributions that migrants make to British society.
Denyer did not specify whether small boat arrivals would have their asylum applications automatically rejected under the Green Party’s leadership. Instead, she emphasized the importance of assessing each application on its own merits. Additionally, when asked about whether the UK should accept more asylum seekers, she pointed out that the UK already takes in fewer applicants than many other European nations. However, she was clear that the focus should be on a humane and thoughtful approach to immigration rather than an unlimited acceptance of asylum seekers.
The Green Party currently holds four seats in Parliament, including Sian Berry in Brighton, and continues to push for more compassionate and effective asylum policies to address the ongoing migration crisis.