Border Security, Asylum and Immigration Bill 2025-11-19

The Minister for Border Security and Asylum moved that the House disagrees with Lords amendment 37. He emphasised the importance of a properly functioning immigration system, underlining the Government's new asylum policy statement and the measures in the Bill to protect borders and enforce rules. He discussed the non-Government amendment tabled by the Opposition which he deemed unnecessary, stating that it would mandate the Home Secretary to collate and publish statistics on overseas students whose visas were revoked due to criminal offences or deportation. Norris highlighted that international students enrich communities but stressed the enforcement of laws for those who commit crimes. He outlined plans to improve data collection and publication on foreign national offenders (FNOs) after conviction, aiming to balance high-quality statistics with user needs. Furthermore, he detailed amendments strengthening powers against organised immigration crime, introducing a new offence criminalising creation or publication of material promoting unlawful immigration services online.

Critiqued the Bill's measures, expressing concern over their potential impact on support agencies assisting refugees and asylum seekers. He questioned if the Minister had heard representations from these groups regarding difficulties caused by such measures.

The Minister thanked colleagues in the other place for their work on and scrutiny of the Bill, especially Lord Hanson of Flint. He emphasised the importance of providing legal certainty as soon as possible for all EU citizens and their family members with EUSS status under clause 42.

The Opposition welcomed the Minister’s comments but criticised the Labour Government for exacerbating illegal immigration, noting a surge in small boat crossings. He argued that the Bill undermines border control and criticised its failure to be more radical in tackling illegal immigration.

Supporting the measures proposed by the Home Secretary, Ballinger expressed his constituents' concerns about illegal immigration and welcomed amendments 7-9 and 12-15 aimed at criminalising online advertising of illegal migration actions. He noted that while people flee due to conflict or persecution, it does not excuse those who profit from smuggling.

Welcoming the Government's efforts but expressing concern for refugees fleeing persecution and unable to return home, Jim Shannon questioned whether the legislation sufficiently protects such individuals.

Representing the Liberal Democrats, Forster highlighted the failure of previous Conservative Governments in addressing illegal immigration and smuggling gangs. He noted that despite working on amendments in Committee, harsher measures were announced by the Home Secretary later.

Acknowledging recent reforms, including safe routes for asylum seekers and a 'one-in-one-out' deal with France, Chris Murray asked whether these initiatives meet the demands previously raised by Forster.

Welcomes the Bill's progress on asylum reform. Argues social media plays a significant role in facilitating illegal crossings, supporting Lords amendment 8 which aims to criminalise facilitation of illegal immigration via advertisements.

Defends the Government's stance on asylum reforms. Emphasises the importance of international cooperation and upstream working, noting the UK's role in tackling conflicts abroad to reduce migration pressures at home.

Expresses concern over illegal immigration claiming to be children, criticises the Government for stopping data publication on age disputes. Calls out the need for transparency in published statistics.

Indicated dissent during the debate without providing a full statement.

Questions the Minister's remarks on Northern Ireland, highlights the issue of illegal entry and overburdened public services due to EU law. Requests that the UK Parliament legislate for Northern Ireland to protect its borders.

Inquires about existing data tracking mechanisms on refugees, questions the appropriateness of Lords amendment 37.

Stresses the availability and reviewability of migration data by various entities, including Home Office, ONS, independent chief inspector of borders and immigration, think-tanks, research organisations, universities, and the Migration Observatory at Oxford.