UK Home Secretary Reviews Family Rights for Irregular Migrants
Yvette Cooper announces measures to address immigration issues, including a review of human rights law applications and a crackdown on gig economy employers.
UK Home Secretary Yvette Cooper has initiated a review of the application of international human rights law concerning individuals who enter the UK by irregular means.
This announcement was made on Sunday, focusing on Article 8 of the Human Rights Act, which safeguards the right to family life and has been invoked by some to justify their residency in the UK.
The review aligns with broader government efforts to mitigate the rising numbers of migrants crossing the English Channel in small boats.
As part of these initiatives, Cooper disclosed a plan to intensify scrutiny of gig economy employers—such as takeaway restaurants and barbershops—regarding their hiring practices involving individuals without the appropriate visa status.
Additionally, Cooper is scheduled to lead an international summit in London on organized migration crime, gathering representatives from over 40 countries.
In a statement to BBC's Laura Kuenssberg, Cooper expressed concern about specific cases that highlighted significant issues within the immigration and asylum system.
She emphasized the need for a thorough review to enhance the functionality of the immigration framework, ensuring it aligns with parliamentary intentions and maintains proper control.
Article 8 has historically been central to contentious asylum cases, including a notable instance earlier this year involving a Palestinian family who were permitted to remain in the UK after applying via the Ukrainian Family Scheme.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer previously referred to Cooper's examination of this aspect of human rights law as addressing a potential 'loophole' within the immigration system.
Cooper is particularly focused on the increasing trend of small boat arrivals, which reached approximately 5,000 early this month, outpacing figures from the previous three years.
Calm weather conditions have been cited as a contributing factor to the surge.
In her address on Sunday, Cooper also outlined a new regulatory measure aimed at enforcing eligibility checks for visa status among gig economy workers.
She noted that existing loopholes could enable criminal organizations to exploit individuals seeking illegal employment opportunities.
While Cooper did not provide estimates on the number of potential cases that could arise from these new rules, she emphasized the critical role of employers in preventing illegal work situations.
The forthcoming summit in London reflects the UK government’s heightened focus on collaborative approaches to combat organized migration crime on a global scale.
This announcement was made on Sunday, focusing on Article 8 of the Human Rights Act, which safeguards the right to family life and has been invoked by some to justify their residency in the UK.
The review aligns with broader government efforts to mitigate the rising numbers of migrants crossing the English Channel in small boats.
As part of these initiatives, Cooper disclosed a plan to intensify scrutiny of gig economy employers—such as takeaway restaurants and barbershops—regarding their hiring practices involving individuals without the appropriate visa status.
Additionally, Cooper is scheduled to lead an international summit in London on organized migration crime, gathering representatives from over 40 countries.
In a statement to BBC's Laura Kuenssberg, Cooper expressed concern about specific cases that highlighted significant issues within the immigration and asylum system.
She emphasized the need for a thorough review to enhance the functionality of the immigration framework, ensuring it aligns with parliamentary intentions and maintains proper control.
Article 8 has historically been central to contentious asylum cases, including a notable instance earlier this year involving a Palestinian family who were permitted to remain in the UK after applying via the Ukrainian Family Scheme.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer previously referred to Cooper's examination of this aspect of human rights law as addressing a potential 'loophole' within the immigration system.
Cooper is particularly focused on the increasing trend of small boat arrivals, which reached approximately 5,000 early this month, outpacing figures from the previous three years.
Calm weather conditions have been cited as a contributing factor to the surge.
In her address on Sunday, Cooper also outlined a new regulatory measure aimed at enforcing eligibility checks for visa status among gig economy workers.
She noted that existing loopholes could enable criminal organizations to exploit individuals seeking illegal employment opportunities.
While Cooper did not provide estimates on the number of potential cases that could arise from these new rules, she emphasized the critical role of employers in preventing illegal work situations.
The forthcoming summit in London reflects the UK government’s heightened focus on collaborative approaches to combat organized migration crime on a global scale.
