RISHI Sunak has stuck two fingers up to Ireland’s demands to take back illegal migrants who have crossed into the country.
Dublin has made furious claims that asylum seekers fearing removal to Rwanda have been surging across the Irish border.
But Downing Street today shot down suggestions that migrants be returned - unless France also lets Britain send small boat migrants back across the Channel.
Mr Sunak’s spokesman said: “Even if Ireland wants to pass legislation, it is up to the UK government to decide who we do and don't accept into the country.
"Clearly we aren't going to start accepting returns from the EU, just as the EU doesn't accept asylum returns from the UK to France.”
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Ireland has claimed that 80 per cent of its illegal migrant arrivals are those coming across the border from Northern Ireland fleeing potential deportation to Rwanda.
Mr Sunak has hailed it as evidence the scheme’s deterrent effect is already working, as officials begin detaining those earmarked for Kigali today.
His Welfare Secretary Mel Stride added this morning: “We are not in the business of having more illegal migrants in the UK.
“We have passed the legislation. What you're seeing now are the early signs of the deterrent effect working.”
The row has escalated tensions between Britain and Ireland following a period of relative calm.
It has seen Home Secretary James Cleverly scrap a planned meeting with Ireland's Justice Secretary, which has officially been blamed on a "diary clash".
Sources suggested Ireland’s new PM is looking to make a statement as the country grapples with increasing anger over illegal migration weeks out from crucial European elections.
Mr Sunak's refusal to take back illegal migrants was backed by Tory MPs including Suella Braverman.
The former Home Secretary said: "The UK is right to oppose attempts by Ireland to force illegal migrants back to us.
"Ireland’s position is intellectually incoherent. No migrant can be re-located to another sovereign state without that state’s consent."
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