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Nationality and Borders Bill - Clause 1
11 July 2023
Lead MP
Robert Jenrick
Debate Type
Bill Debate
Tags
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Other Contributors: 22
At a Glance
Robert Jenrick raised concerns about nationality and borders bill - clause 1 in the House of Commons. Other MPs contributed to the debate.
How the Debate Unfolded
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said:
Lead Contributor
Opened the debate
Mr Robert Jenrick moves to disagree with Lords amendment 1, which he considers as part of a series of amendments that he perceives as wrecking the fundamental purpose of addressing cross-channel incentives.
Describes various Lords amendments and interventions from other MPs regarding these amendments. He argues against them being seen as constructive alternatives to the Bill's objectives.
Intervenes to argue that the proposed Lords amendments address fundamental needs not covered by the current Bill, particularly in relation to incentives for people crossing the channel illegally.
Dawn Butler
Lab
Brent East
Intervenes to state that Lords amendments honour treaties and respect judicial and legal systems, countering the notion of them being wrecking amendments.
Presents four specific Lords amendments as credible alternatives to what is proposed by the Bill.
Debbie Abrahams
Lab
Oldham East and Saddleworth
Questions the effectiveness of the current government's approach to safe legal routes for refugees, using examples like Afghan women resettlement.
Asks about the timeline for the Supreme Court’s judgment on the Bill and its implications.
Gavin Robinson
DUP
Belfast East
Questions the Minister's approach to addressing international obligations, specifically regarding Lords amendment 1.
Andy McDonald
Lab
Middlesbrough and Thornaby East
Presses the Minister on why the Bill does not include specific clarifications about adherence to international human rights conventions.
John Hayes
Con
South Holland and The Deepings
Intervenes in discussion regarding age verification measures for detainees, pressing for comprehensive checks.
Questions whether child-appropriate accommodation and safeguarding will be provided to all children regardless of their status upon arrival.
Highlights limitations in the proposed bail process for detained individuals, focusing on its narrow application.
Questions the adequacy of current rules regarding accommodation and support services for children, pressing for specifics.
Concerned about creating perverse incentives that might encourage more illegal crossings via unaccompanied minors.
Hilary Benn
Lab
Leeds South
Questions whether detained families will have access to basic support such as picture books and murals in detention units.
Hayes and Harlington
Concerned about the type of facilities where children might be detained, referencing previous agreements on avoiding specific detention centres.
Expressed concern over how long children could be in temporary hotel accommodation before being moved to local authority care. Highlighted the need for clear guidance on maximum time frames and questioned the Minister's assurance of prompt movement from hotels to more stable care.
Yvette Cooper
Lab
Pontefract, Castleford and Knottingley
Pressed the Minister on the nature of accommodation or detention for asylum seekers and questioned whether the Minister ordered painting over children's cartoons in reception centres. Emphasised the need for humane treatment and questioned the rationale behind such actions.
Challenged the accuracy of statistics provided by the Minister regarding claims of modern slavery among asylum seekers. Suggested that the percentage had not significantly changed over the last three years.
Chingford and Woodford Green
Stressed the need to speed up the National Referral Mechanism, questioned whether victims would provide evidence against traffickers if they feared being returned outside the UK. Highlighted concerns about prosecutions.
Asked for clarity and assurance regarding draft statutory guidance needed before proceeding with provisions in the bill. Emphasised the importance of co-operation from victims to combat modern slavery effectively.
Jeremy Corbyn
Ind
Islington North
Sought an opportunity to speak but was not granted it.
Asked why LGBT individuals would prefer to seek asylum in the UK rather than a country like Rwanda, due to discriminatory laws against LGBTQ+ people there.
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