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Border Security, Asylum and Immigration Bill 2025-02-10
10 February 2025
Lead MP
The Secretary of State for the Home Department
Debate Type
Ministerial Statement
Tags
Asylum & RefugeesMigrants & Borders
Other Contributors: 59
At a Glance
The Secretary of State for the Home Department raised concerns about border security, asylum and immigration bill 2025-02-10 in the House of Commons. A government minister responded. Other MPs also contributed.
How the Debate Unfolded
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said:
Government Statement
Asylum & RefugeesMigrants & Borders
Government Statement
Today I am moving to strengthen UK border security which has been weakened in recent years; restore order to the immigration and asylum systems, left in chaos; and bring in new counter-terror-style powers against criminal gangs. The Bill will also strengthen leadership and accountability around our borders by putting the Border Security Command on the statute book and introduce tougher powers to tackle organised immigration crime, including pursuing supply chains and seizing mobile phones. It aims to take stronger action on those who endanger lives at sea, improve intelligence gathering and sharing, restore order to the asylum system, clear backlogs, deliver counter-terrorism-style powers for enforcement and returns as promised in our manifesto, and address legal migration.
Gavin Robinson
DUP
Belfast East
Question
Will the Home Secretary confirm that our immigration policy will apply throughout the entirety of the UK?
Minister reply
The approach is for both immigration and asylum to apply right across the UK, recognising the importance of border security as part of a UK-wide approach.
Pete Wishart
SNP
Perth and Kinross-shire
Question
When will we get a Scottish visa to address our issues?
Minister reply
Our immigration and asylum system applies right across the UK. When net migration soared under the previous Government, it did not address labour market issues in Scotland. That is why we need a proper strategy that addresses the labour market issues.
Jeremy Corbyn
Ind
Islington North
Question
Does she agree that we should work out more sustainable safe routes for asylum seekers?
Minister reply
The UK must always do its bit to help those who have fled persecution. No one should be making this dangerous journey on a boat across the channel and being exploited by criminal gangs.
Julia Lopez
Con
Hornchurch and Upminster
Question
How many of those deported since she came into office had crossed into the UK on small boats?
Minister reply
They never decided any asylum cases, so could not return anyone who arrived on a small boat because their system was broken. We are now clearing that backlog and substantially increasing returns compared with the total failure under her Government.
Caroline Johnson
Con
Sleaford and North Hykeham
Question
Why do people want to come across the channel from France, which is a lovely country where many people enjoy holidaying, and how will the Bill specifically help reduce the number of individuals who make that journey?
Minister reply
The challenge has been escalating for six years due to the development of an exploitative criminal industry promising illegal work opportunities. The Bill aims to strengthen border security by bringing different agencies together under a unified command structure, enhancing law enforcement capabilities against traffickers.
Nick Timothy
Con
West Suffolk
Question
Which metric should be used and by what date to ascertain whether the Home Secretary has succeeded in reducing illegal immigration?
Minister reply
The purpose is clear: reduce illegal migration and boat crossings. We must take action against criminal gangs, which the hon. Gentleman's party seems reluctant to support, risking further exploitation of vulnerable individuals.
Kim Johnson
Lab
Liverpool Riverside
Question
What will be in this Bill to support safe routes for migrants?
Minister reply
The primary focus is on pursuing criminal gangs undermining border security and putting lives at risk. While the government supports those fleeing persecution, ensuring that Governments—not gangs—choose who enters our country prevents exploitation by traffickers.
Sammy Wilson
DUP
East Antrim
Question
What measures are being taken to remove incentives for illegal immigration and what role will Border Force have between Northern Ireland and the Irish Republic?
Minister reply
The common travel area means different approaches. We have increased resources for enforcement, returns by 24%, and illegal working raids by 38%. The Bill introduces offences targeting those involved in serious crime and small boats used to endanger lives.
Julian Lewis
Con
New Forest East
Question
How will these new laws apply to individuals outside UK jurisdiction?
Minister reply
The measures aim to tackle the criminal gangs within our jurisdiction, including strengthening law enforcement capabilities and introducing stricter penalties for those involved in human trafficking.
Lewis Cocking
Con
Broxbourne
Question
The Home Secretary mentions asylum hotels. The Government have actually opened more asylum hotels since they have been in office. Can she give us a date when she will have met her manifesto commitment to close the last asylum hotel?
Minister reply
I would just point out that the previous Conservative government opened 400 hotels, and this government has already cut the cost of asylum accommodation substantially. We continue to do so and also clear the backlog created by collapsing decisions in the run-up to the election.
Jonathan Brash
Lab
Hartlepool
Question
The shadow Home Secretary seems keen to reflect on the records of Governments. In 2010, the number of people in the asylum system reached an over-20-year low. By the time the Conservative Government had left office, the number had ballooned by 13 times to 225,000. Will he reflect on who was responsible for that?
Minister reply
The previous Labour government provided an effective asylum amnesty and is therefore partially responsible for the current backlog.
Mike Tapp
Lab
Dover and Deal
Question
In 2018, only 400 people crossed. On the Conservative Government's watch, this number rose to 130,000. Will the shadow Home Secretary apologise?
Minister reply
The numbers were going down under previous government policies but have increased since July last year.
Gareth Snell
Lab/Co-op
Stoke-on-Trent Central
Question
Does the Opposition believe that using language like ‘surrender’ contributes to finding a solution?
Minister reply
The Bill creates citizenship for illegal migrants and cancels removal obligations, which is why we consider it shocking. We do not think such measures are conducive to solving the issue.
Tom Hayes
Lab
Bournemouth East
Question
Why does the Opposition oppose the Border Security Commander’s powers?
Minister reply
The Border Security Commander lacks clear enforcement powers, merely having the ability to publish documents and reports. This is unlikely to disrupt people smuggling networks effectively.
Question
Does the Opposition misrepresent the National Crime Agency's stance on Rwanda?
Minister reply
The NCA has stated that a deterrent effect is needed, and the removal of Rwandan scheme provisions undermines this principle.
Question
What was observed during visits to Rwanda regarding potential asylum seekers?
Minister reply
Visits confirmed that Rwanda would provide well-looked-after conditions for asylum seekers, potentially deterring illegal crossings. However, the Government’s decision not to implement it renders these observations moot.
John Slinger
Lab
Rugby
Question
Is outsourcing asylum policy to Rwanda ethical?
Minister reply
For genuine refugees from conflict zones, this country has a proud history of providing refuge. However, those crossing illegally by people smugglers should not be facilitated entry.
Preet Kaur Gill
Lab/Co-op
Birmingham Edgbaston
Question
I welcome this important Bill, which will introduce new counter-terror-style powers to identify, disrupt and smash the people smuggling gangs... I want to focus on an extremely important aspect of the Bill that has gone largely overlooked, and on which I have been campaigning for change. Clauses 43 and 44 will introduce new offences to clamp down on the rise of 3D-printed firearms, which is a serious threat.
Lisa Smart
LD
Hazel Grove
Question
We all want to stop the dangerous channel crossings, wherever we sit on the political spectrum. There are some measures proposed in the Bill that we on the Liberal Democrat Benches support, some that we do not think will be effective enough, and some that we will seek to amend in Committee.
Lisa Smart
Lab
Dagenham and Rainham
Question
The Bill paves the way to end 14 years of gimmicks and sticking-plaster politics. Despite spending £700 million on the Rwanda scheme, which saw 84,000 people arriving in small boats from its introduction to scrapping, what does the Bill aim to achieve?
Minister reply
The Bill seeks to close gaps by granting law enforcement agencies counter-terror-style powers to tackle organised immigration crime. It ensures that while protecting borders and addressing criminality, vulnerable individuals are offered the protection they deserve.
Edward Leigh
Con
Gainsborough
Question
How do we solve this problem together as a country? What is your view on the effectiveness of the Government's approach?
Minister reply
Experience shows that detaining and deporting individuals can be effective in controlling people smugglers, but current measures like the scrapped Rwanda scheme are ineffective. The Bill aims to address such issues by scaling up law enforcement and border security checks.
Karen Bradley
Con
Staffordshire Moorlands
Question
Karen Bradley acknowledges the complexity of illegal immigration and expresses hope for successful implementation of the Bill. She highlights the need for global cooperation, raising concerns about endangering life at sea measures, biometric testing, and protection for victims of modern slavery.
Olivia Bailey
Lab
Reading West and Mid Berkshire
Question
Olivia Bailey supports the Bill as a step towards regaining control over borders after previous failures. She underscores the importance of balancing compassion with control, stressing that illegal crossings undermine national security and public services.
James Cleverly
Con
Braintree
Question
The Home Secretary's rhetoric is welcome but lacks substance. Since taking office, Labour has seen key metrics deteriorate; the new Border Security Command will merely write plans and present accounts without compelling other organisations to act. The Bill removes more power than it puts on the table. Until the Government provides a credible alternative for returning failed asylum seekers, they are undermining their own criticism of Conservatives. This is a missed opportunity with words but no action.
Airdrie and Shotts
Question
Commits support to Government efforts addressing border security, criticising Reform UK for pitting working people against each other. Supports use of counter-terrorism tactics to limit criminal gangs' operations, contrasting with previous government's £700 million spent on failed Rwanda scheme.
Pete Wishart
SNP
Perth and Kinross-shire
Question
The Bill's approach is the same old, tired, failed method. It does nothing to address structural problems coming from population stagnation and decline.
Chris Murray
Lab
Edinburgh East and Musselburgh
Question
The hon. Member for Edinburgh East and Musselburgh raises the issue that Scotland's population is growing in some areas while declining in others, which highlights the need to address regional disparities.
Minister reply
Pete Wishart acknowledges that Scottish Labour supports a Scottish visa but emphasises the need for Scotland to have specific tools to manage its immigration issues. He calls on Labour Members to think again about what is needed across the UK.
Clapham and Brixton Hill
Question
The hon. Member for Clapham and Brixton Hill commends some reforms in the Bill, such as scrapping the plan to expel asylum seekers to Rwanda, but criticises other aspects that could criminalise people or lead to increased immigration detention costs.
Bradley Thomas
Con
Bromsgrove
Question
The hon. Member for Bromsgrove highlights the need for legislation to strengthen the nation's response to illegal immigration, citing a 28% increase in channel crossings since July compared to the same period last year.
Gregory Stafford
Con
Farnham and Bordon
Question
I think that everybody across the House wants to see small boat crossings diminish and hopefully conclude entirely. Likewise, I think that most people across the House feel that we need to have a fair, robust and effective way to deal with illegal immigration.
Question
These points are obviously going to come from Conservative Members. Have they read the comments of the noble Lord Winston in the other place on 27 November 2023, when he outlined that while scientific equipment may be used, the analysis that comes from bone density checks or X-rays is entirely flawed? The results depend on the calcium deposits and the food that was eaten by the person being X-rayed, as well as other health reasons. Has the hon. Gentleman read those comments?
Jim Shannon
DUP
Strangford
Question
What are the Minister and the Government doing to address the issue of people coming in through the border between Northern Ireland and the Republic?
Minister reply
My understanding from the Minister earlier was that the Bill would work across all borders coming into the United Kingdom—I am sure that will be clarified later.
Ashley Fox
Con
Bridgwater
Question
How many of those deported in the past seven months had arrived in a small boat? The Bill does not deliver an effective removals and deterrence strategy. It is repealing provisions that would have stopped those who enter the UK illegally from claiming asylum.
Minister reply
The Government are taking back control with this Bill, which will help turn the page on failure, restore order to our borders and protect the country we serve.
Dan Aldridge
Lab
Weston-super-Mare
Question
How can we address people’s concerns about immigration and border security in a way that is firm but compassionate, just and in line with our values?
Minister reply
The Bill will allow us to use intelligence to take action against smuggling gangs before they can operate on our shores, just as we do with terrorists.
Becky Gittins
Lab
Clwyd East
Question
The Bill, which has been welcomed by the National Crime Agency and the new Border Security Commander, delivers the measures required to tackle smuggling gangs... It means that those engaged in people smuggling will be viewed as a global security threat, in the same way as terrorists...
Saqib Bhatti
Con
Meriden and Solihull East
Question
I will be voting against the Bill and in favour of the reasoned amendment, for the simple reason that I do not believe this Bill will do anything to smash the gangs... Over the past 14 years and beyond, we have had a great track record of taking in refugees from areas of conflict and other places, but by cheating the system, thousands of illegal migrants are entering the country...
Saqib Bhatti
Lab
Question
The shadow minister criticised the Government's approach on illegal immigration, stating that it undermines the nation's ability to control its borders and protect those in need.
Ian Byrne
Lab
Liverpool West Derby
Question
Welcomed the Government’s commitment to scrapping the Rwanda plan but criticised the narrative around immigration, highlighting austerity's role in economic issues rather than migration. Emphasised the importance of tackling systemic issues and nurturing humanity instead of hatred.
Ben Obese-Jecty
Con
Huntingdon
Question
Asked critical questions about the effectiveness of Border Security Command, pointing out the lack of concrete results in reducing illegal immigration despite promises and strategic leadership claims. Questioned the Bill's ability to provide necessary deterrents against migrants.
Minister reply
The default answer given was that the Border Security Command is providing cross-system strategic leadership across partners.
Nick Timothy
Con
West Suffolk
Question
Why does this Bill weaken the law by allowing illegal immigrants to claim asylum, live off benefits and become British citizens? Also, how does it hinder enforcement?
Minister reply
The Home Secretary was unable to provide a detailed response but indicated that the Government is committed to addressing illegal immigration through other means.
Tony Vaughan
Lab
Folkestone and Hythe
Question
How will this Bill tackle organised crime networks involved in human trafficking?
Minister reply
The Bill aims to give law enforcement agencies the necessary powers to combat smuggling networks, addressing the issue of illegal immigration through stronger legal measures.
Wendy Morton
Con
Aldridge-Brownhills
Question
My constituents do not object to immigration per se, and it is a myth that people who voted for Brexit did so purely on the basis of racism—far from it. People across my constituency want a fair immigration system, in which people stand in turn and come to this country fairly. Where the system has fallen down, and we now see ever increasing numbers of people choosing to come here illegally across the channel, we must have a deterrent to deal with the issue. Without that, we will continue to see and feel the effects of too many people coming into our country illegally.
Wendy Morton
Con
Aldridge-Brownhills
Question
Turning specifically to the Bill, it repeals the Safety of Rwanda (Asylum and Immigration) Act 2024 and the Illegal Migration Act 2023. Much has been said about these two pieces of legislation, but what I see in front of me in this Bill amounts to sheer madness. It means that asylum seekers can refuse to take a scientific age assessment and consequently no longer be treated as over 18.
Josh Simons
Lab
Makerfield
Question
As others have spoken about the specific measures in this Bill, I will take a step back and talk about the ideas that underpin it. There have been grumblings tonight that we are aping Conservative Members and that we are being asked to pretend, to delude ourselves and to dupe the public somehow into thinking that we support strong and controlled borders as a precondition for managed migration.
Lewis Cocking
Con
Broxbourne
Question
Cocking criticises the Bill, stating it ignores the National Crime Agency's recommendation for a deterrent. He mentions a 30% rise in small boat crossings since the new Government took office and expresses disappointment with the removal of previous laws that toughened the system.
Minister reply
No direct ministerial response provided.
Chris Murray
Lab
Edinburgh East and Musselburgh
Question
Murray supports the Bill, emphasising its overdue nature in restoring confidence in the immigration system. He highlights three key components: counter-terror-style powers on immigration enforcement, a new offence of endangering a life at sea to change risk calculations for boat crossings, and working with other countries to tackle cross-border challenges.
Minister reply
No direct ministerial response provided.
Shockat Adam
Ind
Leicester South
Question
While appreciating the need for security at our borders and a sensible discourse around immigration, he emphasised the importance of compassion, legality, and an unwavering commitment to human rights. He raised concerns about the criminalisation of vulnerable people who are already caught in conflict, deprivation, and despair due to clause 18 of the Bill.
Nadia Whittome
Lab
Nottingham East
Question
The Government’s scrapping of the Rwanda plan is welcome, but many inhumane policies have been left to stand. She expressed concern about new elements of the Bill expanding offences and giving the state additional powers to investigate and prosecute people.
Sarah Bool
Con
South Northamptonshire
Question
The Government are seeking to set up a Border Security Commander who, in exercising their functions—which, I note, are undefined—must have regard to the objective of maximising the effectiveness of the activities of partner authorities relating to threats to border security. She expressed concerns about the lack of clarity around the roles and responsibilities of the Border Security Commander.
John McDonnell
Ind
Hayes and Harlington
Question
I chair the Public and Commercial Services Union parliamentary group, which represents frontline Border Force staff who propose a safe-passage visa system to stop boats. Most asylum seekers arrive by boat because there are no other routes available. We need a comprehensive evidence-taking process for age assessments instead of inaccurate scientific measures.
Minister reply
The Government acknowledges the concerns raised about age assessment and will review the current methods. The aim is to ensure that vulnerable individuals, including children, are correctly identified and safeguarded.
Aylesbury
Question
I welcome the Bill's focus on unaccompanied children entering by small boats and the repeal of the Safety of Rwanda Act 2024. Local authorities should be supported to make decisions about accommodation for these vulnerable children.
Minister reply
The Government agrees that local authorities must have autonomy in deciding appropriate placements for unaccompanied minors. The Bill aims to provide them with necessary support while ensuring their safety and well-being.
Peter Swallow
Lab
Bracknell
Question
The MP spoke about the historical context of immigration in Britain, acknowledging its benefits but also highlighting the previous Government's lack of control over borders. He cited an increase in returns under this government and criticised the Rwanda scheme for costing taxpayers £700 million.
Minister reply
We are taking action to fix a broken system with new measures that will prevent crime, protect vulnerable asylum seekers and crack down on people smuggling gangs. We have seen results already, including increased returns of individuals and removals of foreign criminals.
Jo White
Lab
Bassetlaw
Question
The MP discussed her experience driving trucks across the channel and expressed concern about human trafficking and illegal migration. She praised the new Border Security Commander but criticised previous failures, including £700 million wasted on the Rwanda scheme.
Minister reply
We are getting results with returns of individuals, removals of foreign criminals, international deals to break up smuggling gangs, dialogue with G7 partners, arrests in Germany, and raids on businesses exploiting illegal migrants. The Bill will enshrine Border Security Command in law for more effective action.
Alex Sobel
Labour/Co-op
Leeds Central and Headingley
Question
The MP welcomed measures to repeal harmful elements of the asylum system but expressed concern about criminalizing children’s wellbeing. She criticised past cruel treatment of child asylum seekers, such as painting over welcoming murals.
Minister reply
We must be diligent to ensure the Bill does not criminalize the wellbeing of children or lead to cruel measures against those fleeing persecution. We are mindful that it is the people smugglers who endanger lives.
Question
I thank the Minister for that reassurance. As the Bill progresses to Committee, it would be helpful if those items were listed among the relevant articles to give some solace to the NGOs... [Full question provided]
Minister reply
To reassure my hon. Friend, these items certainly will not include children’s toys, and nor will we be doing anything to introduce widespread powers that just apply to everybody. These are intelligence-led powers that will focus on those in the gangs doing the organising.
John Slinger
Lab
Rugby
Question
The Conservative party has a record of failure, and now it is failing to back our measures to put things right... [Full question provided]
Minister reply
[No response from minister]
Matt Vickers
Con
Stockton West
Question
Today’s remarks from Conservative Members have been clear—we understand the public’s frustration that more has not been done to reduce these numbers... [Full question provided]
Minister reply
[No response from minister]
Cleverly
Con
Question
Can you refer to specific clauses in the Bill that give the Border Security Command the ability to dictate the activity of other Government agencies?
Minister reply
The minister responded that the Border Security Commander is already leading across government, and this bill will put his powers on a legal footing. She stated the first part of the bill deals entirely with putting these powers on the statute book.
Gregory Stafford
Con
Question
How will success based on the Bill be measured and by what metric?
Minister reply
The minister responded that more than four volunteers would be sent to Rwanda, but later clarified it was a mistake. She emphasised ongoing work in returns of illegal immigrants and enforcement of laws.
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