"Speaking on BBC Radio 4's Today programme, Reed said the government was aiming to create a "fair, tolerant and compassionate" asylum system. Asked about disquiet within his own party, the communities secretary responded: "We are absolutely committed to [the plans]... We can't go on like this, it is tearing the country apart in many respects." Reed highlighted the "perverse incentives" in the current system, which he said were encouraging families to cross the Channel in small boats."
""We know that we have to end this vile trade in human lives," he said. "Over the last year, 14 children who were put on those dangerous dinghies and pushed out into the English Channel lost their lives when those boats capsized... "The current system creates perverse incentives for people to put children on a boat where their life is in danger and we cannot tolerate that.""
Communities Secretary Steve Reed said the government is absolutely committed to pushing through major asylum reforms despite backlash from some Labour MPs. Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood announced changes including forcing refugees to wait 20 years for permanent residency and deporting more families rejected for asylum. Deporting children drew criticism from Labour figures such as MP Stella Creasy, who called it not the British way, and peer Lord Dubs, who warned against using children as a weapon. Tory leader Kemi Badenoch said proposals did not go far enough but signalled possible Conservative support. Reed cited perverse incentives and recent child deaths in Channel crossings.
Read at www.bbc.com
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