Channel Crossings UK: The proof is in the pudding, the main opposition party the labour party is more factual than the conservative party in figures

When it comes to discussing channel crossings in the United Kingdom, it is undeniable to notice a stark contrast between how Conservative politicians have portrayed this issue compared to their main opposition party, Labour. While both parties have expressed their concerns over the rising number of migrants attempting to cross into the UK via the English Channel, it is evident from their rhetoric that Conservatives have resorted to spreading lies to garner political capital, while Labour has presented a more factual perspective on this matter, albeit with some criticisms of their own policies as well. In this essay, I aim to highlight some of these differences between Conservative lies versus Labour's factual approach.

Firstly, the Conservatives have repeatedly claimed that the rise in channel crossings is a result of the UK's departure from the European Union. This is a blatant lie, as statistics from both the Home Office and the French authorities show that the number of migrants attempting to cross the channel began to rise long before Brexit. In fact, the number of crossings in 2018, the year before Brexit, was already higher than in 2017. This false narrative is a convenient one for the Conservatives, as it allows them to deflect blame from their own policies and instead place it on an external factor, namely Brexit.

Secondly, the Conservatives have also claimed that the UK's asylum system is being abused by migrants, who are allegedly coming to the UK to claim asylum and then disappear into the community. This is another false narrative, as the vast majority of migrants who cross the channel are not seeking asylum. In fact, according to the Home Office, only 1% of migrants who crossed the channel in 2020 claimed asylum. The rest were either economic migrants or simply seeking a better life. The Conservatives' rhetoric on this issue is designed to create a false sense of crisis, which they can then use to justify their harsh immigration policies.

Thirdly, the Conservatives have also claimed that the UK's borders are being overwhelmed by migrants, and that the country is unable to cope with the rising number of crossings. This is a lie, as the UK's border force is well-equipped to deal with the number of crossings that are taking place. In fact, the Home Office has stated that the border force is able to intercept around 80% of migrant boats attempting to cross the channel. The Conservatives' rhetoric on this issue is designed to create a false sense of urgency, which they can then use to justify their calls for more resources for the border force.

In contrast, Labour has presented a more factual perspective on this issue. While they have expressed their concerns over the rising number of crossings, they have also acknowledged that the UK's asylum system is in need of reform, and that the government's current policies are not working. Labour has called for a more compassionate approach to migration, which includes providing more support to migrants who are seeking asylum, as well as addressing the root causes of migration, such as poverty and conflict. Labour has also criticised the Conservatives' approach to migration, which they argue is based on a false narrative of crisis and fear-mongering.

In conclusion, it is clear that when it comes to discussing channel crossings, the Conservatives have resorted to spreading lies to garner political capital, while Labour has presented a more factual perspective on this matter. The Conservatives' false narratives on Brexit, asylum, and border capacity are designed to create a false sense of crisis and fear-mongering, which they can then use to justify their harsh immigration policies. Labour, on the other hand, has called for a more compassionate approach to migration, which includes addressing the root causes of migration and providing more support to migrants who are seeking asylum. It is time for the Conservatives to stop spreading lies and start addressing the real issues surrounding migration, rather than using it as a political football.