RAMP Principals Speak at the Second Reading of the Border Security, Asylum and Immigration Bill
Yesterday was the second reading of the Border Security, Asylum and Immigration Bill. The Bill aims to introduce new measures to enhance border security, combat organised immigration crime, and deter irregular migration
Tony Vaughan MP urged the government to reconsider Section 29 which could block modern slavery protections on public order grounds. He argues that it risks deterring trafficking victims from coming forward, thereby protecting traffickers and hindering prosecutions. He urges the government to reconsider Section 29 and Section 63 of the Nationality and Borders Act 2022 to ensure victims receive protection rather than punishment.
He acknowledged the lack of safe legal routes for asylum seekers as an unresolved issue in the Bill. He proposed expanding resettlement schemes, similar to those for Ukraine, Afghanistan, and Hong Kong and called for a pilot programme for refugees from conflict zones to have their claims processed before arrival in the UK.
“Victims need to trust that their coming forward will lead to protection, not punishment, but under section 29, anyone arriving in a small boat could be prosecuted for entering without a visa, and excluded from trafficking protections as a result.”
Olivia Blake MP criticised the Bill for not repealing Section 59 of the Illegal Migration Act, which renders asylum or human rights claims from nationals of designated "safe states" inadmissible. She argued that blanket bans are flawed, citing Rwanda and Georgia as examples of countries that may not be safe for everyone, particularly LGBTQI+ individuals. While Section 59 has not been enacted, she warns that keeping it on the statute books sets a dangerous precedent and urged the government to remove it entirely during the Committee stage.
She also argued that a fair asylum system should include safe access to the UK for those seeking protection. She warned that prosecuting smugglers alone will not prevent dangerous Channel crossings and called for the Bill to include clear plans for reviewing and expanding safe and legal routes to the UK.
“Blanket bans on asylum claims from entire countries are fundamentally flawed, and with Rwanda we have seen the dangers of legislating that a country is safe when in reality it may not be so for everyone.”
Laura Kyrke-Smith MP highlighted two key areas for scrutiny in the Bill: ensuring that safe country designations are regularly reviewed based on evolving international conditions, and avoiding the unintended criminalisation of asylum seekers. She stressed the importance of targeting smuggling gangs rather than individuals coerced into steering boats, citing the case of Ibrahim Bah from Senegal as an example.
She emphasised that conflict and persecution will always drive people to seek safety, including in the UK. She highlights the success of safe routes such as the Homes for Ukraine and Afghan Resettlement Scheme, as effective alternatives to irregular migration. She highlighted a recent report by the APPG on Refugees which recommends the expansion of safe and legal pathways including reviewing financial restrictions on family reunions and introducing humanitarian visas.
“ I see a vital continuing role for safe and legal ways for refugees and asylum seekers to seek protection in the UK. We know that safe routes can work; I am proud of our country for the Homes for Ukraine scheme and the Afghan citizens resettlement scheme, for example. When such schemes operate effectively, we do not see people of those nationalities getting on small boats.”