This petition was rejected

The Government e-Petitions Team gave the following reason:

Petitions need to call on the Government or Parliament to take a specific action.

We understand that you are concerned about vessels entering UK waters illegally, but we're not sure exactly what actions you'd like the Government or Parliament to take.

Under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, to which the UK is a signatory, states can prevent passage in their territorial waters, including to prohibit crime, smuggling, or breaching immigration rules.

However, this convention also creates an obligation to rescue anyone in danger at sea. Under international human rights law states are also responsible for protecting human rights when people come within their jurisdiction or control.

You can find out more about the compatibility of turning back migrants at sea with international law here: commonslibrary.parliament.uk/is-turning-back-migrants-at-sea-compatible-with-international-law/

We could accept a petition calling on the UK Government to withdraw from the international agreements creating the above obligations, and increase funding to patrol the UK's borders, if that's something you'd like to happen.