A new Nationality & Borders Bill has just had its second reading in the House of Commons. At the next stage it will get detailed line-by-line consideration and amendments can be brought and voted on.
Many of the measures in the bill risk creating more injustices in the system which will increase the trauma and pain experienced by asylum seekers attempting to reach safety in the UK.
Online meeting for campaigners – Thu 22 July 8pm
The Joint Public Issues Team is inviting anyone with an interest in being part of a campaigning response to the government’s proposals to an online meeting.
Please register to attend.
Briefing points
Key points of the bill include:
- making it a criminal offence to knowingly arrive in the UK without permission.
- reforming the asylum system so that the route via which someone arrives in the UK will determine the way a claim for asylum is processed. People arriving in the UK via an ‘irregular’ route (e.g. a channel crossing) will be sent back to a ‘safe’ country they passed through on their way to the UK, or granted only temporary permission to stay in the UK, with limited family reunion rights and limited access to benefits.
- increasing the punishment for people smugglers and gangs who facilitate entry to the UK
- introducing “reception centres” for asylum seekers and those whose claims have been rejected, providing “simple, safe and secure accommodation” while claims and returns are being processed.
- streamlining and integrating the legal and asylum claim processes.
- strengthening the safe and legal ways in which people can enter the UK, including through the new UK Resettlement Scheme which started in February 2021, and granting resettled refugees indefinite leave to remain when they get to the UK.
More information
Please see the Joint Public Issues Team website.
