In 2017, not a single person came to the UK via an illegal small-boat crossing.

So, what's happened to change that?

Well, for most people fleeing war and persecution, safe and legal routes to claim asylum in the UK do not exist. Only specific groups, like those from Ukraine and those who worked for the British forces in Afghanistan, have such opportunities.

The bigger point about immigration that some don't seem able to say is that we have benefited hugely from those who have brought and made their lives here in Taunton and Wellington, caring for our loved ones, looking after us in the NHS and creating jobs in a host of small businesses. It is the way we work together - all of us - linking up into one community that makes us stronger and our local economy more resilient.

Immigration needs to be controlled and limited to sustainable levels and, yes, integrating is important. But the facts don't support the alarmist voices in the Reform Party and others trying to stir up division and anger on this issue.

Firstly, illegal boat crossings are down by nearly half – the fall is actually 43% on last year.

Secondly, legal immigration to the UK – the number of people arriving minus the number leaving – is down a staggering 82% on 2023 figures.

Thirdly and very significantly, while people here on both sides voted in the Brexit referendum with good intentions, those who delivered the botched deal not only caused a huge increase in immigration, but also inadvertently established a small boat crisis of exploitation and illegality like never before.

Those who led the UK into Brexit, including the now leader of the Reform Party, owe the country an apology.

Most people recognise that we can get back to a controlled and sustainable approach by working more with our European neighbours.

For those genuinely trying to escape terror and death, we urgently need a safe and legal route, and for others we need a returns agreement with every European country.

Too difficult? It sounds like it but, in June, all 27 EU nations agreed both a Returns Regulation and a new Pact on Migration and Asylum. So, all decisions on rejected asylum applicants are now supported by every other EU country, there are tougher rules to collect biometric data within seven days of arrival, data will be shared across all countries, and there's an agreement to fairly distribute a pool of up to 30,000 genuine asylum seekers per year across Europe.

To get back to zero illegal and dangerous crossings, Liberal Democrats say the UK should be part of this new EU arrangement. Now.

We can’t turn back the clock. So, it’s time for the UK to lead on, and begin to shape, a new defence and economic partnership in the EU, including ensuring the downward trend in illegal crossings is maintained and we continue to be a place of peace and sanctuary in which those who have made their lives here thrive and contribute fully as members of our community.