We have just completed a two-day debate in the Commons on the Second Reading of our landmark Nationality & Borders Bill. Here is my contribution to the debate.
I spoke in support of this Bill as it delivers on our promise to tackle illegal immigration by cracking down on people smugglers and making it harder for those who enter the UK illegally to stay.
For too long, our broken asylum system has lined the pockets of the vile criminal gangs who cheat the system. This is not fair to the vulnerable people who need protection or the British public who pay for it.
The Nationality & Borders Bill will create a fair but firm system that prevents dangerous channel crossings and cracks down on the criminal gangs that exploit vulnerable migrants, whilst supporting those in genuine need.
We have already had an Immigration Bill which deals with legal immigration - this is the Bill that deals with illegal immigration, including the Channel crossings which I know infuriate so many people in Newcastle.
Incredibly, Labour have voted AGAINST the Bill, demonstrating once again they have not listened to the lessons of Brexit and their 2019 general election loss.
Our Bill:
🇬🇧 Takes back control of our borders
🚤 Empowers our Border Force to turn around boats
✅ Allows us to process asylum claims in a willing third country (similar to Australia’s system, which has completely stopped the people smuggling and saved thousands of lives)
🚨 Makes it easier to deport foreign criminals
✈️ Creates new safe and legal routes for asylum seekers to apply through - so we can help those most in need, rather than those who have made the dangerous journey via the Channel
❌ Makes it count against you in an asylum claim when you enter illegally, and speeds up the current process of multiple vexatious appeals