Thank you for getting in touch with me following Suella Braverman’s shocking and frankly dangerous Illegal Migration Bill.  I will be strongly voting against this Bill at its Second Reading. 

I think everyone agrees that we need strong action to stop these dangerous boat crossings that are putting lives at risk and undermining border security and we need a humane asylum system that ensures the UK does its bit in helping people who are fleeing the most appalling circumstances.

However, this bill achieves none of those things and is nothing more than a con and a gimmick of a failing Government, which will work to make this problem far worse.

At least the Home Secretary has finally admitted what we all already knew, that our asylum system is utterly broken. However, she has once again failed to take any responsibility for her Government,  who have overseen these failures over the last 13 years. 

Even more damning, is the Government’s reluctance to learn any lessons from their mistakes, and have instead decided to double down on clearly ineffective and damaging policies. 

Less than a year ago, the Government passed a series of measures which it claimed would stop the boats, end hotel use and penalise people for trying to claim asylum. It has not worked. Boat crossings have reached a record in that time, hotel use is up, and only 1% of last year’s asylum cases have been decided. 

As you will be aware, the Illegal Migration Bill attempts to prevent unlawful migration by requiring the removal of people who enter or arrive in the UK illegally. However, this new Bill will not deliver what the Prime Minister and Home Secretary have promised.  

I do not believe it will stop the criminal gangs or dangerous crossings; in fact, I believe it makes it easier for those gangs to operate. I do not believe it will clear the asylum backlog; in fact, I believe it will mean tens of thousands more people in asylum accommodation and hotels. I do not believe it will deliver controlled and managed safe alternatives; instead, I believe it will cut them back. 

Moreover, the Bill makes it harder to get returns agreements because it undermines compliance with the international laws and standards that those other countries are committed to upholding. 

As you have noted, it also leaves the most vulnerable people unsupported. It leaves victims of modern-day slavery and trafficking without any protections while frustrating efforts to prosecute traffickers. I also recognise the deep concerns expressed by the Children’s Commissioner regarding how unaccompanied children will be treated under this Bill. 

The UK has a proud history of helping people fleeing violence and persecution. Sheffield is proud of its welcoming and open tradition as the UK’s first city of sanctuary. As people are driven from their homes in the most desperate circumstances, the UK must always stand with those seeking safety. Unfortunately, I believe the Government’s approach to this long-standing obligation has been lacking in competence and compassion.

I want to see fast-track decisions and returns to clear the backlog and end hotel use, and for new agreements with France and other countries on returns, on family reunions and on reforming resettlement. I further believe the UK should invest in creation of a Cross-Border Police Unit, funded by redirecting spending away from the unworkable and unethical Rwanda Scheme. 

Thank you once again for contacting me about this very important issue. I will be following this Bill very closely and standing up against these disgraceful policies.