Illegal migrants must be stopped from ‘shopping around’ for preferred new country, says Suella Braverman
ASYLUM-seekers must be stopped from “shopping around” for their preferred new country, Suella Braverman says.
The Home Secretary called for a shake-up of UN rules in a crackdown on illegal migration.
It could see refugee status given up if migrants travel through several safe countries.
She will use a speech in the US today to set out a blueprint for an international effort to tackle illegal migration.
Ms Braverman will say: “Seeking asylum and seeking better economic prospects are not the same thing.
“Seeking refuge in the first safe country you reach or shopping around for your preferred destination are not the same thing.
“Being trafficked — transported against your will — and being smuggled — asking someone to sneak you into a country — are not the same thing.”
Her speech will question if the UN Refugee Convention 1951 is “fit for our modern age” or in need of reform.
She will say: “Nobody entering the UK by boat from France is fleeing imminent peril.
“The vast majority have passed through multiple safe countries.
“In this sense, there is an argument that they should cease to be treated as refugees.”
Ms Braverman will also insist it is unsustainable to keep a system where simply being gay or a woman qualifies for protection.