![Pinterest](https://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=https://uknews.evprotec.com/rishi-sunak-forced-to-abandon-plans-to-use-cruise-ships-to-house-asylum-seekers/&media=https://uknews.evprotec.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/6_Rishi-Sunak-Attends-First-Prime-Ministers-Questions.jpg&description=The new Prime Minister pledged during the summer Tory leadership campaign to use disused boats as offshore accomodation for asylum seekersThe Prime Minister's spokesman says he's 'not aware of any plans' to use cruise shipsRishi Sunak has been forced to abandon his plan to use cruise ships to house asylum seekers after being warned it would be illegal. The new PM pledged in the Tory leadership campaign this summer to use disused boats as offshore accommodation. But on Monday No10 confirmed the idea had been dropped. The Prime Minister's spokesman is 'trying to find alternative accommodation' for asylum seekers currently stuck at an overcrowded facility at Manston Airport in Kent. However, he said he was 'not aware of any plans' to use cruise ships. Read More Government lawyers had warned the idea would breach the UK's obligations under the 1951 Refugee Convention that prohibits countries from detaining people claiming asylum. It would also have broken British law, which only allows individuals to be detained for immigration purposes if there is a "realistic prospect of removal". Downing Street announced there were no plans to go ahead with Mr Sunak's plan after it was suggested again on Monday by an ex-borders official. Kevin Saunders, former chief immigration officer for the UK Border Force, said the system is "broken" and that he would put asylum seekers on a cruise liner. Downing Street announced there were no plans to go ahead with Mr Sunak's plan ( PA) He told BBC Radio 4's Today programme: "I would put a cruise liner in the middle of the Channel and put all asylum seekers on that, put it in international waters so they can't claim asylum, because it's not the UK. "This has been mooted before but was kicked into the long grass, but I think it's worth revisiting." He said a cruise liner would have proper facilities and everything that would be needed.){kind=link}
The new Prime Minister pledged during the summer Tory leadership campaign to use disused boats as offshore accomodation for asylum seekers
Rishi Sunak has been forced to abandon his plan to use cruise ships to house asylum seekers after being warned it would be illegal.
The new PM pledged in the Tory leadership campaign this summer to use disused boats as offshore accommodation.
But on Monday No10 confirmed the idea had been dropped.
The Prime Minister’s spokesman is “trying to find alternative accommodation” for asylum seekers currently stuck at an overcrowded facility at Manston Airport in Kent.