Minister admits to security fears over 'pushback' tactics against migrant boats

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Immigration Minister Rob Jenrick has acknowledged security concerns over the use of 'pushback' tactics against small boats in the English Channel, confirming that plans had been withdrawn.

The Home Office's highly controversial plan to turn around and forcibly return asylum seekers to France was withdrawn in April ahead of a judicial review.

Describing the policy as "currently withdrawn", Mr Jenrick acknowledged that there were only "limited circumstances" in which pushbacks could be carried out safely.

"There are limited circumstances in which small boats can safely turn around in the English Channel," Mr Jenrick said.

< p>The Immigration Minister added: "Given of this, the policy is currently retired and there are currently no plans for tactics to re training be reintroduced under the primacy of defence."

Former Home Secretary Priti Patel revealed a plan to force migrant boats back to France last year - claiming the tactic had a "legal basis" despite strong opposition from campaigners.

But it emerged earlier this year that the Home Office had to withdraw the policy amid a legal challenge against the policy.

Ms Patel was told in April that the Ministry of Defense (MoD) did not have permission to deploy the push-back tactic, the government acknowledged in a legal document.

The Home Office went on to say that similar tactics could be deployed in the future, although these would only be used after "full consideration of all relevant factors".< /p>

Jeremy Bloom, the lawyer representing the PCS union and campaign group Care4Calais, said at the time: “We are confident that the Home Secretary withdrew the policy because she knew she would lose in court if tried.

Mr Jenrick's new statement makes it clear there are no plans to relaunch the policy - but he said it remained an option for the government.

“The government is considering all safe and legal options to stop unnecessary travel ys to the UK, including the rotation of small boats in the English Channel,” he said in a response to Conservative MP Rachel Maclean.

“This approach is fully in line with national and international legal frameworks to which the UK is committed,” he added.