During the Lib Dem annual conference, there was a suggestion to rename small boats crossing the Channel as “Brexit boats.” This proposal came after party leader Sir Ed Davey criticized Nigel Farage for not apologizing to voters for losing the ability to return migrants to Europe post-Brexit. The idea of labeling these boats as “Brexit boats” was raised by a delegate from the Mole Valley Liberal Democrats group, emphasizing the impact of Brexit on migration policies.
Lord Mike German supported the idea, linking it to the Dublin agreement, which the UK exited upon leaving the European Union. Sir Ed highlighted the consequences of Brexit, particularly the loss of access to the Dublin agreement, which previously allowed asylum seekers to be sent back to their initial entry point in Europe. He called for accountability from Farage and the Conservatives for dismantling these agreements.
In response to criticisms, Shadow Home Secretary Chris Philp accused the Lib Dems of distorting the history of the Dublin agreement, pointing out its flaws. Data from the Home Office revealed that between 2015 and 2018, the UK made numerous outgoing requests under the agreement, with a modest percentage of requests being accepted. Out of the total requests made, a fraction of individuals were actually transferred abroad.
The debate surrounding the implications of Brexit on migration policies continues, with differing perspectives on the effectiveness of the Dublin agreement. The discussion sheds light on the complexities of post-Brexit immigration regulations and the need for accountability regarding the handling of asylum seekers.