Conservative minister Chris Philp criticises Labour’s border policies, citing surging illegal channel crossings, rising crime, and asylum hotel chaos
Britain faces what Conservative minister Chris Philp describes as a “sovereignty crisis” as illegal immigration surges, asylum hotels overflow, and courts limit deportations. Speaking to GB, Philp argued that the UK has been forced to accommodate criminals while activist lawyers and the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) block government action.
“The system is failing, and the public sees it with their own eyes,” Philp said. “Labour’s failure has led to almost 28,000 illegal arrivals this year – a near fifty per cent increase on last year. Communities across the country are bearing the burden, while confidence in the government has collapsed.”
Philp cited the example of asylum hotels, which Labour inherited from a Conservative-led programme that had nearly halved the number of occupied sites. After one year in office, Labour had closed just three hotels, allowing numbers to climb past 32,000. “At this pace, it would take 70 years for ordinary taxpayers to see relief,” Philp said.
The minister also warned about rising crime among certain groups entering the UK. “Some nationalities crossing in these numbers are statistically more likely to commit offences. We’ve seen asylum seekers charged with some of the most horrific crimes imaginable.”
Embed from Getty ImagesThe Conservative Deportation Bill, Philp explained, aims to reverse these failures. Every illegal arrival and foreign criminal will face removal, countries that refuse to take back nationals will face visa sanctions, and the Human Rights Act will be disapplied in immigration cases. The plan is designed to ensure courts cannot continue blocking deportations on “grounds that defy common sense.”
Philp directly criticised the ECHR as a “shield for sex offenders, gang members, and violent criminals.” He stated that the UK may leave the European court if necessary to reclaim legal authority over its borders. “Our Lawfare Commission will outline how to restore control. If leaving the ECHR is required, we will do it,” he said.
According to Philp, the UK now faces a stark choice: either fully enforce border laws or surrender to foreign courts, activist lawyers, and criminal gangs profiting from the country’s weakness. “Protecting Britain’s borders and our citizens must stand above every other concern,” he added.
The minister’s intervention highlights a growing Conservative focus on immigration, sovereignty, and public safety. By framing the debate as a fight against legal and bureaucratic barriers, Philp seeks to position his party as the defender of ordinary citizens and national order.
Labour, meanwhile, has maintained that its policies prioritise humane treatment for asylum seekers, but critics argue that lack of decisive action has allowed illegal arrivals and related crimes to increase unchecked.
The unfolding situation poses political and legal questions for the UK government: balancing international obligations, human rights protections, and public safety. Philp’s rhetoric signals that the Conservatives intend to push a more confrontational approach in the coming months, potentially challenging longstanding treaties and domestic law.
As Britain grapples with record illegal crossings, rising crime, and public unease, the debate over sovereignty and the role of European courts is set to dominate the political agenda for the foreseeable future.