Border Security, Asylum and Immigration Bill

My Liberal Democrat Parliamentary colleagues and I oppose the criminalisation of vulnerable people who have no choice but to take dangerous journeys to seek safety. We believe that all those seeking refuge should have their protection claims considered fairly, humanely, and efficiently, regardless of their method of arrival. Instead of weaponising vulnerable people in this way, as those on the political right have, we should do more to explain to the public how the system works. After all, most people who come have had no choice but to arrive illegally because there are no safe legal routes.

The new guidance restricting recognised refugees from becoming British citizens is deeply troubling. Denying individuals the opportunity to rebuild their lives and contribute to our communities is both unjust and counterproductive.

It is morally imperative that we ensure refugees do not undertake these dangerous Channel crossings and instead are provided with safe alternatives to entry. There is also a need for far more cross-border cooperation, including a stronger leadership role for the UK in Europol. The former Conservative Government failed to tackle this issue, with failed schemes of deterrence, such as the Rwanda flight scheme, costing the taxpayer while failing to have any tangible effect.

There are parts of this Bill that are welcome; however, the Government’s approach does nothing to address the root causes of forced displacement and instead punishes those who have already endured unimaginable suffering.

Ideally, rather than costing the taxpayer millions to accommodate and feed refugees and asylum applicants, we should allow them to work, thus paying tax and paying for themselves.