Braverman’s attitude to refugees isn’t just unreasonable – it’s ineffective

Editorial: It’s hard to avoid the conclusion that she is looking towards the next Tory leadership contest – and she knows exactly what to say to win it

Suella Braverman has become increasingly strident in her dehumanisation of refugees (PA)

Home secretary Suella Braverman’s claim that refugees crossing the English Channel are “criminals” goes against the British sense of what is fair and honourable.

While the Conservative Party is undoubtedly trying to stop the continued trade in human misery, adopting a blanket response does not work. Saying that migrants who make dangerous crossings in small boats possess “values which are at odds with our country” and display “heightened levels of criminality”, as Ms Braverman has done, feels inflammatory and unjust. One label does not fit all.

The Independent has been highlighting the case of the Afghan war hero and pilot who himself arrived in the UK on a small boat and is currently facing deportation. The Iraq war veteran Colonel Tim Collins has now backed our campaign to give him asylum.