Petition · past parliament · Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office

Reform policy on Channel Crossings and create safe routes for refugees

Closed 6,322 signatures

What the petition asks

It has been reported that the Home Office is training staff to employ “turn-around” tactics at sea, to send back small boats carrying migrants. The Government should abandon this policy, and invest in long-term solutions and safe and legal routes for refugees wishing to seek sanctuary in Britain.
International maritime law stipulates that ships have a clear duty to assist those in distress, people at risk of losing their lives at sea must be rescued. The plans announced by the Home Office are in stark contrast to these obligations. Seeking to turn around boats carrying migrants, rather than offering aid, could put the lives of thousands of innocent refugee children, women and men have at greater risk.

Timeline

17 Sep 2021 Petition opened for signatures
17 Mar 2022 Closed to new signatures

Key facts

Signatures 6,322
Status Closed
Department Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office
Opened 17 Sep 2021
Closed 17 Mar 2022

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Source: the official petition page. Last checked 15 Jul 2026.