Nationality and Borders Bill, Lords Message

The House of Commons gave further consideration to Lords Amendments to the Nationality and Borders Bill on Tuesday 26 April 2022.

Motion to disagree with Lords Amendment 5D. The amendment sets out that provisions in the Bill must be read and given effect in a way that is compatible with the UN 1951 Refugee Convention. This issue has become one of particular concern given the Government’s recent announcement of a plan to fly some asylum seekers to Rwanda for the duration of their claim. I voted against the motion, which was passed, Ayes:296 and Noes: 206.

Motion to disagree with Lords Amendment 6D, 6E and 6F. These amendments provide that a person can be a tier 1 refugee if they have travelled briefly through countries on their way to the UK, as somebody from Kabul or Kyiv would have to, or if they have delayed presenting themselves to the authorities for a good reason. They would also require compliance with the refugee convention and state that family unity must be taken into account. I voted against the motion, which passed, Ayes: 299 and Noes:205.

Motion to disagree with Lords Amendment 7F and 7G. This would give the 60,000 asylum seekers on waiting lists the right to work, to be reviewed after two years. This would increase tax receipts and mean Government subsistence support for those asylum seekers would no longer be required. I voted against the motion, which was passed, Ayes: 288 and Noes: 212.