Britain has always been a welcoming country — but welcoming must never mean lawless. Our borders are there to protect fairness, safety, and opportunity.

Those who come here legally and contribute should be supported. But those who enter or remain illegally should be detained and swiftly deported. Endless appeals and loopholes only reward criminal gangs and punish the taxpayer.

Of course, there will always be people who are genuinely fleeing war or persecution — and they deserve safe, legal routes and a fair hearing. But that compassion should never be exploited by those using illegal crossings or false claims. True refuge must be based on need, not on who can pay a trafficker.

We must restore control and common sense: turn back illegal boats, withdraw from laws that block deportations, and prioritise legal migration that meets our country’s needs.

Compassion and control can go hand in hand — but only if we enforce the rules fairly and firmly.