U.K.’s Refugee Ban Bill proceeds amid criticism - FreedomUnited.org

U.K.’s Refugee Ban Bill proceeds amid criticism

  • Published on
    April 26, 2023
  • News Source Image
  • Category:
    Human Trafficking, Law & Policy
Hero Banner

The U.K.’s controversial Refugee Ban Bill will proceed to the House of Lords despite significant criticism, including from influential members of the ruling Conservative party. 

Endangering trafficking victims 

The bill would enable the government to remove anyone who arrives in the U.K. irregularly to a third country, such as Rwanda.  

The U.K. currently grants temporary protection from removal to suspected trafficking victims while authorities consider their case. However, this bill would remove this protection. 

It passed its third reading in the House of Commons on April 26 by 289 votes to 230. 

Leading Conservatives raise major concerns 

Former Prime Minister Theresa May is among the Conservative politicians who have strongly opposed the bill. The Guardian reports: 

May had warned that more people will be left in slavery in the UK by government reforms aimed at deterring migrants from crossing the Channel. The former prime minister, who held talks with the government over her concerns, described an amendment tabled by ministers as a “slap in the face” for those who care about the victims of modern slavery and human trafficking. 

Former Conservative party leader Iain Duncan Smith has also warned the government about the bill’s potential to create “unintended consequences,” especially for people who have experienced trafficking.  

The former attorney general and Conservative politician Sir Geoffrey Cox raised concerns about amendments that would enable ministers to override measures set out by the European Court of Human Rights. 

Demand better for survivors 

This bill will now proceed to the House of Lords, where it is expected to face more resistance. It may be subjected to delays and further amendments.  

The Freedom United community is pushing back against this bill, which will put more people at risk of trafficking and endanger survivors even further.  

If you’re based in the U.K., you can get involved by writing to your MP. Otherwise, join the campaign calling on world governments to pass migration laws that protect people from trafficking rather than increasing their risk.  

Freedom United is interested in hearing from our community and welcomes relevant, informed comments, advice, and insights that advance the conversation around our campaigns and advocacy. We value inclusivity and respect within our community. To be approved, your comments should be civil.

stop icon A few things we do not tolerate: comments that promote discrimination, prejudice, racism, or xenophobia, as well as personal attacks or profanity. We screen submissions in order to create a space where the entire Freedom United community feels safe to express and exchange thoughtful opinions.

guest
1 Comment
Most Voted
Newest Oldest
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments
Patricia Floriet
Patricia Floriet
7 months ago

The refugee ban in France, where I now live also considers migrants as invaders rather than people in need. The British used to be renowned for their hospitality and sense of justice. Must they lose that reputaton?

We are known as developed nations. Should we not recompense those who have undergone exhaustion and dangers galore in order to reach our countries and give them time to show their worth?

Do we not need these future citizens, ready to support their host-nation ?

This week

E.U. market will be tainted with forced labor without strong legislation

A report published on December 6 commissioned by a group of E.U. lawmakers warns that “a substantial volume of apparel tainted by Uyghur forced labor is moving into the E.U. without restriction.” The report indicates how E.U. policy does not do enough to weed out forced labor from large supply chains and, therefore, does not protect consumers from buying products made with Uyghur forced labor, according to The Guardian. Implication by state-sponsored

| Wednesday December 6, 2023

Read more