Is it illegal to come to the UK by small boat?

Is it illegal to come to the UK by crossing the Channel on a small boat? Our FactChecker explains #migration #uknews #ukpolitics #englishchannel

[tlg]

So international law is more important than UK law. What's the point in having a UK government then!

[matthewdavidge]

We stop the Germans the Spanish armada but we. Can’t stop little rafters

[gino]

Our homeless in the UK should claim asylum to get looked after. Don't tell them anything and claim asylum

[Anti-Peaceforce]

So why these refugees are not using the legal route instead paying people trafficking gangs in france.

[gordonhutchison]

It's illigal to be reckless and endanger lives crossing shipping lanes or to cause any danger, why are they not prosecuted for that aswell as illigal entry.

[robbiethepict]

This wouldn't have happened if the Uk remained in the EU's Dublin regulation.

[reigninblood]

Is it illegal to rob a bank? I bet the answer would not be complicated then.

[spacemonkey]

That's not true. You have to claim asylum in the first safe country you get to. Tell the truth!

[azzazz]

I have no idea why they want to come over. Its terrible here 😅

[leecattell]

About 40 years to late but oh well we did try but got slammed for being racist.

[Matty-fltu]

Makes no difference if its illegal or not they get away with it don't they? Yep that's illegal but come in anyway😂

[Jakas-qthj]

Imagine if I went to Canada on a small boat because I didn’t like my job

[nicholasgerrish]

Foreign Sailors, when they arrive in the U.K., go to the Harbour Master and show required paperwork, just as we do when we sail abroad. They may moor up in some picturesque harbour, but need to notify the Authorities, and there is often a Harbourmaster who will be on the lookout. In my experience, having sailed a bit, it would be illegal to just pitch up, and wander about someone else’s country, indeed, it would be foolish. Other countries are rather less forgiving to people who enter their country without suitable paperwork, or means of support. An Illegal Migrant might try it on, and they do!
In the U.K., we are peculiarly Laissez faire and don’t seem to mind who comes in, wherever or whoever it might be.
Are we allowed, by Law, to toughen up? Apparently not!

[snakemansnakes]

I read a comical post about these newcomers claiming asylum here, some of them went back home for Christmas

[kallachnadra]

These small boats must not be allowed to set foot on land. UK must make agreement with Morocco..or whatever country providing these boats, to return the boat occupants. Perhaps pay some compensation.

[stewartashling]

Im going to Europe to claim asylum after 90 days.

[woozy]

Which is why Mediterranean countries amped up their patrol vessels...the instant those rafts hit the coastline they are eligible for asylum but if the navy stops them in the water they're allowed to send them back

[michaelmakowsky]

& what you're doing afterwards???

[kjsmith]

'Asylum in the UK is the protection granted to a non-citizen who has fled their country to escape a serious threat to their life or liberty.'
Small boats come from France.... a safe EU COUNTRY

[OfficiallyEffective]

So it’s not illegal, cos anybody could just say they’re seeking asylum