Yesterday (12 May) saw two important developments – the launch of the Government’s new White Paper on Immigration, and the return of the Border Security, Asylum and Immigration Bill to Parliament. Together, they provide opportunity for a bold rethink of our approach to refuge and asylum: but are they the right step forward?
The White Paper
While largely focused on economic migration, the surrounding narrative – which included the Prime Minister’s ill-judged claim that the UK risks becoming an ‘island of strangers’ – will have a broader impact, and only feed into division and tensions. With the populist right on the rise, we need a far better, braver, and more compassionate rhetoric and approach from the Government.
Our fear is that the proposals laid out will only damage integration and cohesion. Rather than bowing to pressure from Reform, we need the Government to lead the narrative and set out how we can build a nation of neighbours.
New bill, same old?
The Border Security Bill was also back in the Commons for Report Stage. Disappointingly, the legislation is largely centred around deterrence and security measures. But there are good features too. Crucially, it scraps the Rwanda plan, and also removes many harmful elements of the ‘Illegal Migration Act’.
A number of amendments were placed by MPs which would make our asylum system fairer, including proposals to:
- Lift the Ban preventing people seeking asylum from working. This would end the enforced destitution of the present system, which forces people waiting for an asylum decision to survice on just £7 a day in Home Office support (and only £8.86 a week if they are in catered accommodation).
- Scrap the refugee citizenship ban, which will block anyone who enters the UK irregularly – in absence of safe routes – from ever becoming a British citizen.
- Expand safe routes. Currently there are no safe ways for the majority of the world’s displaced people to reach the UK and claim asylum. Proposed amendments included a duty to publish a strategy on safe routes and broaden refugee family reunion criteria, including allowing children to join their siblings or other relatives.
Unfortunately the amendments didn’t pass this time. Yet they received substantial support, with strong, cross-party support for a better, more compassionate asylum system.
What’s next?
The Bill will now move to the House of Lords for First Reading, where Peers will be able to place their own amendments.
There’s a long way to go – and we’ll need your help with our campaign for a fairer system. Contact our Advocacy Coordinator Rebecca Rifkind-Brown today and get involved.
