When I speak to people on the doorstep, at my supermarket surgeries, or out and about, one topic that is continually raised is illegal immigration. Not only do I understand why, but it’s why I’ve written on it many times in this column and raised it consistently in Parliament.
In doing so I have had to deal with the usual ire, accusations, and vitriol of Labour Party councillors. But I agree with residents who say we rightly want to see controlled borders.
It’s exactly the reason why I voted to introduce a points-based system of immigration for those who want to come to the UK to work, ending the free movement that we had as an EU member, and why I support our refugee schemes for those fleeing war and persecution.
But the increasing numbers coming to the UK illegally are putting our generosity, and our legal routes, at risk. As I have said consistently, there can be no illegal system running in parallel to the legal one. Coming here illegally, on a small boat, and evading our border officers cannot and should not be tolerated.
That’s why I’m fully behind the Prime Minister’s plan to stop the small boats. Because it’s this country – through Government and Parliament - who should be deciding who comes here. Not criminal gangs.
This week I welcomed the Illegal Migration Bill to Parliament. Because although I am now used to the protestations by the Labour Party, this Bill, once passed will remove all incentives for individuals to come to the UK illegally.
Under the Government’s plans anybody who enters illegally – without authorisation and trying to evade our border force - will be immediately detained and removed to a safe country within weeks. There will be no ability to claim asylum in the UK, with claims instead heard in a safe third country, like Rwanda.
As now, there will still be safe and legal routes in for those who want or need them.
For economic migrants, our points-based system ensures we get access to the skills we need from around the world. And for those fleeing war or oppressive regimes, safe and legal refugee routes will be open. And when crises occur overseas – like with Afghanistan, Ukraine, and Syria – we will be able to be generous in opening other routes for other nationalities.
Crucially the new legislation will stop the endless appeals, funded by the taxpayer, which adds huge expense; as well as making clear that it is Parliament that is the ultimate decision maker.
