Debate on migration policy sees Labour clash with Reform UK, with calls to uphold international human rights commitments

Labour’s Nick Thomas-Symonds has warned that if the UK were to withdraw from the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR), it would be relegated to the status of a “pariah state,” following a heated debate on migration policy.

The debate, held during Channel 4 News’ The UK Decides: Immigration, Law And Order, saw representatives from seven political parties, including the Labour Party, Conservative Party, Liberal Democrats, Green Party, Reform UK, SNP, and Plaid Cymru, confront one another over the pressing issue of immigration.

Reform UK chairman, Richard Tice, suggested that the UK should intercept small boats crossing the Channel and return migrants to France as a means of halting illegal crossings. He argued, “What we’ve got to do is pick people up out of the boats and take them back to France; that will stop the deaths. That’s the compassionate thing to do.”

However, Thomas-Symonds dismissed this proposal as “complete fantasy,” asserting that such a unilateral approach would undermine cooperation with French authorities and potentially damage diplomatic relations. He further expressed pride in the UK’s historical contribution to the ECHR, stating, “To walk away from it and to become an international pariah would make us a country with far less influence on the world stage.”

The debate also saw Green Party co-leader Carla Denyer countering claims that migrants are a burden on public services, particularly the NHS. She stated, “If you meet a migrant in the NHS, they’re more likely to be treating you than to be ahead of you in the queue,” accusing political leaders of scapegoating migrants for the underfunding of essential services.

Conservative Home Office minister Chris Philp also participated in the discussion, defending the government’s approach to immigration. When asked about the UK’s generosity towards refugees, particularly those from Syria and Ukraine, Philp proudly cited the UK’s resettlement schemes, but his remarks were met with groans from both the audience and fellow panellists.

The conversation also included poignant contributions from those with lived experiences of migration. A refugee from Afghanistan expressed disappointment over the dehumanisation of asylum seekers, which was met with support from SNP’s Keith Brown, who described the UK’s handling of Afghan refugees as a betrayal, citing the lack of safe exits for those who had assisted British forces.

The ongoing debate reflects the growing divide in UK politics over immigration policy, as parties take divergent paths in response to the challenges posed by both humanitarian concerns and public sentiment.