This week I took part in the debate on the consideration of Lords amendments to the Nationality and Borders Bill. The Bill makes changes to nationality, asylum, immigration, and provision for victims of slavery and human trafficking. I have had many constituents contact me to voice their concerns relating to the Bill’s provisions on refugees, unaccompanied children, and citizenship.

There was a very strict 3-minute time limit so I could only talk about amendments on Clause 9 of the Bill which would deprive a person of their British citizenship without notice, offshore asylum processing as well the need for the Government to take in more refugees. I would have liked to talk about many more topics if time had allowed me to do so.

I was deeply troubled that Conservative MPs voted down the amendments that I spoke on. It is also disturbing that because the Government chose not to accept the Lord’s amendments, the Home Offence can now criminalise refugees fleeing war and natural disasters who arrive in the UK without the right papers with a penalty of up to 4 years in prison.

You can read my contribution here or watch my speech here.

Today I spoke in the consideration of Lords amendments to the #NationalityAndBordersBill

I ended on amendment 13. I expressed my concern that if it was not passed, families who are fleeing war and hope to claim asylum without a visa could be imprisoned when they reach the UK. pic.twitter.com/jP5u6BedYs

— Janet Daby MP (@JanetDaby) March 22, 2022