Brexit has made immigration a bigger challenge. More boots on the ground will not solve the problem, argues Professor Nando Sigona
"Today’s ‘new’ deal is not significantly different from previous arrangements, and the increase in financial support is a reflection of a task that has become more challenging due to the renationalisation of the UK borders following Brexit.
"The growth in irregular crossings in the Channel is proof that the Brexit promise to ‘take back control’ is easier said than done and that leaving the EU has done exactly the opposite: it has made British borders, especially at sea, more porous and harder to manage.
"Co-operation with the French authorities on the issue of irregular migration began twenty years ago with the Le Touquet Treaty. The new Brexit reality has created structural and legal challenges that were not there before. Tensions surrounding the Northern Ireland protocol and hostile comments toward France and the EU by some sections of the Tory party have made things worse. A few more boots on the ground are unlikely to provide a long-term solution to the issue."
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Chair of International Migration and Forced Displacement
Professor Nando Sigona is a sociologist with research and teaching experience in migration, refugee and ethnic studies. He is also the Director of the Institute for Research into Superdiversity (IRiS).
