This month, MPs debated the government’s Border Security, Asylum and Immigration Bill. I welcomed positive steps the government has taken since coming to power, such as scrapping the unworkable Rwanda scheme and closing the Bibby Stockholm barge. However, it is very difficult to be positive about this legislation as currently put forwards.

This legislation fails to implement the one measure that would put people smugglers out of business and prevent refugees from making these crossings in the first place: safe routes. I also spoke against the expansion of immigration detention, the removal of protections for modern slavery victims and the criminalisation of people seeking safety in line with international law. In opposition, our frontbench rightly opposed such measures, tabling reasoned amendments to throw out the Nationality & Borders Act 2022 and the Illegal Migration Act 2023 on these precise grounds.

I have signed and sponsored Nadia Whittome’s EDM 799, expressing my concern over plans to refuse of citizenship to refugees who have made dangerous crossings to the UK. This policy further punishes these individuals whose claims of fleeing war, persecution, and danger have been upheld by the asylum system. I am deeply concerned that the refusal of citizenship denies security and a safe, permanent home to those seeking asylum.