Yesterday’s announcement of a new safe route from France to the UK brings some welcome news: the introduction of any new pathway is a step in the right direction. Our community’s history teaches us just how vital these lifelines are.
While the initial numbers are small, we are encouraged by the potential to expand this scheme. It is critical that the Government ensures that we truly fulfil our duty to people fleeing persecution and conflict.
But new routes cannot come at the expense of a person’s legal right to claim asylum in this country. We are commanded in the Torah to not “wrong or oppress a stranger” – yet any deal that contravenes the UN Refugee Convention would do just that.
And this agreement also fails to address the core reason so many displaced people are forced into dangerous cross-Channel journeys: the lack of safe, accessible alternatives.
Our Jewish values set a clear standard for any policy. Is it compassionate? Is it responsible? Does it show solidarity and genuine partnership?
This deal could be an important move toward a fairer, more dignified asylum system. But until the Government provides full details on how it would work, the jury is still out.