Illegal Migration Bill - Exemption for agents, allies and employees of the UK Overseas Territories

Confirms that nothing in the Lords message engages Commons financial privilege. Discusses Lords amendments 3E, 6D, and 10D with government motions to disagree.

Questions the reasonableness of Lord Hope's amendment which sets up an independent body to assert Rwanda is a safe place.

Asks if there is the same freedom of religion or belief in Rwanda as in the United Kingdom and expresses disquiet about this issue.

Concerned that Lords amendments would muddle legislation, leaving it open to unnecessary court challenges. Questions if unamended Bill will do the job effectively.

Reiterates concerns about the wording of the Bill being clear and unambiguous to avoid Supreme Court challenges.

Asks if the Minister will ensure that the report is laid before Parliament for review.

Questions why Lord Hope's moderate amendment should be thought to delay the Bill or give rise to challenges, suggesting it could help review facts if they change.

Expresses concern about past difficulties faced by those who helped the UK and questions why assurances for the future should be believed, supporting the need for an amendment.

Kinnock argues that the bill undermines constitutional conventions and rule of law. He criticises the Government's lack of commitment to removing failed asylum seekers, noting a 44% drop since 2010. He supports Lord Browne’s amendment due to moral and military logic for not sending Afghans who fought alongside British troops to Rwanda.

Intervened, arguing that an Act of Parliament should be clear and unambiguous in its wording, and courts must give effect to those words as per rule of law.

Asked where the proposed returns unit would send illegals to, questioning whether receiving countries would want to receive them.

Questioned whether Kinnock had made any attempt to find out what the issues might be with India issuing emergency travel documents immediately.

He opposes amendments 1D and 6D, stating they do not improve the bill. He also criticises amendment 10D for failing to address the needs of a specific class of people who served the country in dangerous conditions. However, he supports amendment 3E proposed by Lord Hope as it introduces a mechanism to ensure that Rwanda remains safe for deportation and provides leeway for parliamentary review if circumstances change.

He shares reservations about the inability of the House to reconsider the matter of Rwanda’s safety under current legislation. He argues that Lord Hope's amendment might give the monitoring committee the final say on Rwanda's safety, which would undermine parliamentary sovereignty.

Supports Lords amendment 1D as it ensures compliance with international law and domestic legislation such as the Human Rights Act. She argues that there is no mechanism in the legislation or treaty to declare Rwanda unsafe if circumstances change, which could have severe implications for refugees' human rights and safety. Thewliss also supports amendments 3E and 6D due to concerns over the lack of independent scrutiny mechanisms and proper decision-making authority by UK authorities. She expresses deep concern about the potential impact of the Bill on Afghan refugees and criticises the Government's handling of their relocation policies.

Argues that Lord Coaker’s amendment 1D is disingenuous for mixing unrelated issues and challenges Labour’s position on the matter. He asserts that Parliament's sovereignty prevails over prerogative matters, particularly in this context where there are clear statutory provisions rather than treaties. Cash emphasises the importance of maintaining the principle of constitutional propriety.

Supports Lords amendments 1D, 3E, 6D due to concerns over compliance with international law, need for independent monitoring of Rwanda’s safety status, and ensuring proper legal challenges are possible. She also supports amendment 10D for its recognition of obligations towards those who have helped UK armed forces overseas.

Mr. McDonnell argues that Lords amendment 3E allows Parliament to revisit its judgment when facts change due to instability in Africa, ensuring flexibility. He points out the failure of existing schemes for Afghan veterans' security and supports Lords amendment 10D as a measure to ensure future commitment to securing their rights. Mr. McDonnell also highlights Baroness Chakrabarti’s amendment 6D as essential for upholding parliamentary duties.

Mr. Tomlinson criticises Labour's failure to provide a realistic alternative solution and emphasises that letting the Bill pass will send a clear message about illegal immigration consequences, including swift return to home or safe third countries like Rwanda.