Davey adopts 'stop the boats' language in Lib Dem asylum shift

Liberal Democrat leader Ed Davey has pledged to "stop the boats" and urged the UK to join the EU migration pact, allowing Channel-crossing asylum seekers to be returned. The shift, first signalled at the party's September 2025 conference, breaks with the Lib Dems' traditionally humanitarian tone. Liberal elements remain, including the right to work while claims are processed.