Commons Sense

House of Commons · Bill Debate

Safety of Rwanda (Asylum and Immigration) Bill

22 April 2024 · 27 other contributors

Opened by Lindsay Hoyle Speaker Chorley

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

At a glance

Lindsay Hoyle raised concerns about safety of rwanda (asylum and immigration) bill in the House of Commons. Other MPs contributed to the debate.

Key points

  • Concerns were raised about the Rwanda (Asylum and Immigration) Bill
  • Specific asks of the government were not recorded
  • No commitments were made during the debate

How the debate unfolded

MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said.

Other contributors (27)
  • Lindsay Hoyle Speaker Chorley

    The Speaker confirmed that nothing in the Lords message engages Commons financial privilege.

  • Michael Tomlinson Con Wantage

    Tomlinson opposes Lords amendment 3G, arguing that it is unnecessary and that there are already existing legal routes for those who supported UK forces. He emphasises the Government's commitment to not remove to Rwanda individuals with positive eligibility decisions from the review of Afghan relocations.

  • Joanna Cherry SNP Central Edinburgh

    Cherry raises concerns over polling data showing that a majority of voters think the Government should either accept amendments to the Rwanda policy or scrap it altogether. She criticises the Minister for turning the matter into a political football.

  • Jim Shannon DUP Strangford

    Shannon suggests accepting those who can demonstrate support to British forces in Afghanistan and views the current back-and-forth as an example of democratic embarrassment. He calls for a way forward before procedures are brought into disrepute.

  • Edward Leigh Con Gainsborough

    Leigh inquires about the legality of detaining illegal migrants under habeas corpus and asks if detention will be possible before offshoring them once the Bill comes into force.

  • Jeremy Wright Con Kenilworth and Southam

    Wright seeks clarity on the relationship between the Rwanda treaty and the Bill, specifically questioning whether an assessment of safety for the purposes of this Bill is the same as compliance with the Rwanda treaty.

  • Bill Cash Con Stone

    Cash notes Lord Hoffman's opinion on treaties versus statutes, emphasising that a clear and unambiguous Act prevails over treaties in legal terms.

  • Liz Saville-Roberts PC Dwyfor Meirionnydd

    Saville-Roberts questions why Rwandans are excluded from being returned under this legislation if Rwanda is truly considered safe.

  • Kevin Foster Con Torbay and South Devon

    Foster explains that returning a Rwandan to Rwanda would take them back home, not to a third country, thus clarifying why Rwandans are excluded from this legislation.

  • Imran Hussain Lab Bradford East

    Hussain requests for specific cases like his constituent who served with UK forces but faces difficulties in joining family due to administrative issues, highlighting why amendment 10F matters.

  • Stella Creasy Lab Co-op Walthamstow

    Creasy brings up a constituent's case where an Afghan who served with UK forces for 15 years is unable to join his family in the UK due to administrative issues, emphasising the unsustainable nature of denying eligibility.

  • Stephen Kinnock Lab Aberafan Maesteg

    Kinnock argues against the Bill, describing it as unworkable and unaffordable. He cites a permanent secretary's comments on its ineffectiveness and highlights legal challenges, such as the Supreme Court ruling that Rwanda is not safe. Kinnock emphasises that the amendment does not prevent flights from taking off but rather addresses fundamental issues with the policy.

  • Florence Eshalomi Lab Co-op Vauxhall and Camberwell Green

    Eshalomi interjects to agree that the plan is a gimmick, citing a permanent secretary's view on its lack of effectiveness as a deterrent.

  • Paula Barker Lab Liverpool Wavertree

    Barker agrees with Kinnock and questions the feasibility of providing 25 courtrooms and 150 judges for legal challenges, considering current court backlogs.

  • Edward Leigh Con Gainsborough

    Leigh interjects to question the Labour Party's stance on respecting parliamentary authority if they were in power and faced similar opposition from the House of Lords.

  • Imran Hussain Lab Bradford East

    Hussain agrees with Kinnock, highlighting the dangerous precedent set by entering into treaties that declare countries safe without a mechanism to reassess safety if circumstances change.

  • Alison Thewliss SNP Glasgow Central

    Ms. Thewliss criticises the lack of parliamentary scrutiny on Rwanda's status as a safe country, and highlights that the Irish High Court ruled against UK's plans. She also mentions an increase in small boat arrivals despite the proposed scheme and argues for proper support for Afghan refugees who are unable to utilise existing schemes.

  • Patrick Grady SNP Glasgow North

    Mr. Grady congratulates Alison Thewliss on using every available procedure to oppose the bill, emphasising the SNP's unwavering opposition.

  • Peter Grant SNP Glenrothes

    Mr. Grant agrees with Alison Thewliss and mentions that funds allocated for deportation could be better utilised in rescuing stranded Afghans from Pakistan.

  • Tim Loughton Con East Worthing and Shoreham

    Mr. Loughton argues that the debate is preventing progress on the bill, criticising opposition for not providing alternatives to handling illegal asylum seekers. He defends the government's position by stating that safeguards are in place regarding treatment and protection of Afghan refugees.

  • Diana R. Johnson Lab Kingston upon Hull North and Cottingham

    Supports Lords amendment 3G for its sensible and measured approach, allowing for flexibility if circumstances change. Supports Lords amendment 10F as it honours commitments to those who have risked their lives supporting British troops.

  • Supports the revised form of Lords amendment 3G, believing it strikes an appropriate balance and avoids future primary legislation. Supports further movement on Lords amendment 10F to clear up matters once and for all.

  • Sammy Wilson DUP East Antrim

    Calls the refusal of the Government to accept Lords amendment 10F disgraceful, highlighting its watertight nature. Emphasises moral and strategic duties towards those who have served Britain.

  • John Martin McDonnell Lab Hayes and Harlington

    Urges the Government to compromise on Lords amendment 10F, citing deteriorating conditions in Afghanistan and the need for protection guarantees. Emphasises a debt of honour towards those associated with British forces.

  • Tim Farron Lib Dem Westmorland and Lonsdale

    Mr. Tim Farron argues that the Government's scheme to send asylum seekers to Rwanda is ineffective, wasteful of public money, and a violation of human rights. He supports Lords amendments 3G and 10F for independent verification and protection of Afghan veterans.

  • Mr. Michael Tomlinson argues against the amendments, stating that they do not meet the challenge set by his Conservative colleagues who seek a parliamentary moment for discussion. He urges passing the legislation to stop boats and suggests sending a clear message to the other place.

  • Ms. Katherine Fletcher interjects during Mr. Tim Farron's speech but does not provide detailed arguments or position within the given excerpt.

Get updates like this by email
▸ Assessment & feedback
Summary accuracy