Asylum Seekers’ Access to Justice Illegal Migration Bill 2023-06-27

2023-06-27

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Response quality

Questions & Answers

Q1 Partial Answer
Context
The MP is concerned about discussions regarding the impact of the Illegal Migration Bill on asylum seekers' rights.
What recent discussions has he had with Cabinet colleagues on the potential impact of the Illegal Migration Bill on access to justice for asylum seekers?
The Illegal Migration Bill will break the business model of people-smuggling gangs, deter migrants from making dangerous channel crossings and restore fairness to our asylum system. The Bill will provide a robust but fair legal framework to remove illegal migrants swiftly while ensuring that proper opportunity to appeal remains.
Assessment & feedback
Specific discussions with Cabinet colleagues on the impact of the Illegal Migration Bill were not detailed.
Response accuracy
Q2 Partial Answer
Context
The MP is concerned about provisions in the bill that prevent UK courts from granting interim remedies to delay removal while a judicial review claim is heard.
Does he really believe that an asylum seeker will be able to participate effectively in a judicial review if they are already in Rwanda? The Bill would prevent UK courts from granting an interim remedy to delay the removal of an individual while their judicial review claim is heard. Is that not a fundamental attack on the rights of an individual to access the courts?
This is a fair country and we will always take what proper steps we should to ensure that individuals' rights are upheld. I respectfully say this: as well as considering those migrants who come across the channel, the hon. Lady needs to think about those migrants on the north coast of France who are thinking about whether to put their lives into the hands of people traffickers.
Assessment & feedback
The Minister avoided addressing whether asylum seekers can effectively participate in judicial reviews if removed to Rwanda and whether preventing UK courts from granting interim remedies is an attack on individuals' rights.
Response accuracy