Small boats legislation will leave thousands in limbo, refugee campaigners warn

Refugee Council says proposals could effectively ‘shatter’ UK commitments under UN refugee convention

Government legislation is yet to be published but it has already been criticised by campaigners (Gareth Fuller/PA) (PA Wire)

The Government has been warned that plans to render as inadmissible asylum claims from those who travel to the UK on small boats will leave thousands “permanently in limbo”.

The Refugee Council said the proposed legislation, details of which are set to be announced this week, could effectively “shatter” UK commitments under the UN refugee convention.

The charity said figures show that of all those who crossed the Channel last year, two-thirds would be granted asylum, as it warned the plans are “unworkable” and “costly”.