Thread by @stand_for_all

Cannot stress how not only inhumane this is, but also massively illegal. "Pushbacks" violate international law, not to mention place people's lives in more danger. They also don't deter people trying to seek safety. 1/
bbc.co.uk/news/uk-584959…

This isn't some hazy grey area of law either. While it is perfectly legal for someone to cross the channel and seek asylum, it is fundamentally illegal to penalize an asylum seeker for their manner of entry or conduct pushback operations at sea. 2/

politico.eu/article/eu-pus…

Right now @pritipatel has singlehandedly destroyed any last shred of credibility the UK had that it may care about the rule of law, and has further undermined the international refugee regime, placing yet more lives at risk. 3/ #r4today

I really want to know which legal genius gave this advice. Please stand up and take a bow before sitting back down and reading international law of the sea, international human rights law, and international refugee law,
Because the advice seems to have just violated them.
4/

Of course @SimonJonesNews just regurgitates Home Office talking points. Specifically points out that they are "pushbacks" and fails to bring up the minor point that despite the government's claims they are illegal. Seems like more than a slight oversight to be honest. #r4today 5/

This story is plastered all over the papers, of course it is. Would be nice if even a couple of outlets could point out that not only is it illegal and risks tying the UK up in legal cases for years, but pushbacks don't work, just ask Greece. It's a stunt. 6/

Oh, for God's sake #r4today. No, the UK cannot unilaterally re-write international law. The UK can leave certain treaties, which in this case would need to include maritime ones, but not rewrite them. This is why just unquestioningly citing Home Office isn't "journalism". 7/

Couple of things which have skipped media's collective attention:
98% of people crossing the channel seek asylum.

It is not illegal to either cross the channel or seek asylum.

It is illegal to penalize an asylum seeker for their manner of entry.

Stop calling them "illegal". 8/

I take some of it back. You know it's bad when even @SimonJonesNews reports opposition. The plan is a stunt by a Home Sec fearing for her position, but, if, and it's a big if, pushbacks go forward they will inevitably costs lives. That means it can't be left unchallenged. 9/