According to the Guardian investigation, the UK government has given Turkish border guards more than 3 million GBP to keep migrants from entering the UK. This information—obtained in response to a Freedom of Information (FOI) request—shows how the UK and Turkey are working more closely together to stop irregular immigration.

Let it be Rwanda Scheme or the Home Office disallowing foreign students to sponsor dependents, the UK has been trying to minimize immigration as much as possible.

Fundings and Equipment provided by Home Office

The analysis has shown that financing for Turkish border forces has significantly increased since 2019. The initial budget for marine border security training was only £14,000. The investment for training and equipment, however, increased to £425,000 in the budget year 2021–2022. 

More surprisingly, the current year saw a startling £3 million infusion for personnel support, training, and aid with return and reintegration. This increase in financing underlines the UK government's dedication to working with Turkey to bolster border control procedures.

Along with providing money, the UK has also equipped and trained Turkey's border guards, including the national police and coast guard. Notably, in June 2022, the Deputy High Commissioner of the United Kingdom sent nine vehicles to the Turkish National Police, which were stationed at the Iranian border.

Moreover, Turkey has been accused of oppressing migrants and using live bullets when they were fleeing their country. This raises questions regarding the moral ramifications of supporting a border force that engages in such actions.

The Humanitarian Crisis and Criticism Faced by the Home Office

Last year, Turkey reported "turning back" 238,448 migrants along its eastern border with Iran. Extreme abuse and violence against migrants trying to cross the Turkish-Iranian border have been documented, which is quite alarming. 

Evidence shows that Afghan migrants trying to enter Turkey were subjected to extreme brutality and disproportionate force. In addition to beatings with rifle butts, robberies, degrading behaviour, and forcible re-routing of individuals to the other side of the border, this also includes shooting live ammunition at the feet of children as they run.

Turkey has recently grown strategically important for securing borders, according to sources inside the Home Office.

The UK government was criticised by Mary Atkinson, Head of Campaigns and Networks at JCWI, for flouting international law to restrict people's ability to seek safety. She claimed that the Government was promoting xenophobic rhetoric against immigrants and covertly paying other nations to carry out its agenda.

The UK, like other European countries, is aggressively addressing a number of concerns, including tackling illegal immigration, drug trafficking, and modern slavery, a representative for the Home Office said in response. They emphasised the significance of working directly and mutually advantageously with functional equivalents in partner nations, such as Turkey, to address these challenging socioeconomic concerns.

Conclusion

Concerns about the Government's stance on human rights are raised by the UK giving Turkish border authorities 3 million GBP to stop migration. Critics contend that this hidden backing undermines the fundamental right to seek safety and encourages racist sentiments. The effects of such activities call for more investigation and discussion.

FAQS

Why did the UK support Turkish border forces financially?

To combat modern slavery, drug trafficking, and illegal immigration, the UK government gave cash to Turkish border guards. It planned to work closely with partner nations, especially Turkey, to address these difficulties.

How will this financing impact the UK's reputation and ties abroad?

The money has sparked debate regarding the UK's stance on human rights and its interactions with international allies. The consequences of these activities call for closer examination and could affect the UK's standing on immigration and human rights problems.