MP will support legislation this evening
This evening the House of Commons will vote on legislation to get the Rwanda scheme up and running, following the recent judgement of the Supreme Court. When the Home Secretary introduced the Bill, John asked,
"The British people are world champions at queuing, we like fairness, which is one reason why illegal migration grates with them. Can the Home Secretary confirm that all steps are being taken to remain within international law - not just now, but going forward? On this basis, I will vote for the Bill this evening, and suggest some Colleagues should be careful what they wish for."
The Home Secretary confirmed that, from his conversations with the Government’s legal advisors, the Bill remains within the framework of international law, and it is the Government’s intention that this remains the case. He also inferred our international standing in part at least is contingent on such a principle.
John also intervened on the Shadow Home Secretary, Rt Hon Yvette Cooper MP, and said,
“The Prime Minister has come up with a plan. We have been assured that it remains within international law. What is the Official Opposition’s plan?”
The Shadow Home Secretary responded that they would save the money being spent on the Rwanda plan to introduce a range of measures including increasing border security.
John said afterwards,
“I am pleased the Home Secretary confirmed that the legislation will stay within the bounds of international law. It is a tough Bill, intended to respond to the Supreme Court’s judgement and with measures to prevent the extensive legal challenges we have seen with previous legislation.”
“However, the Rwanda Bill is only one component of the actions the Government is taking to address illegal immigration, which so far has reduced the number of people crossing the Channel in small boats by a third when compared to last year, over a period when migration from Africa into the EU has increased by 80%. Following the returns agreement with Albania, illegal arrivals from that country are down 90%. This shows that deterrence does work, and I will be supporting the legislation this evening.”
“Meanwhile, opposition parties flounder on their inability to come up with an alternative plan to curb illegal migration. Many of Labour’s policies have already been introduced by the Government, including increasing border security, which is why illegal migration is down in this country when it is high across the EU.”
