Mansfield MP welcomes Illegal Migration Bill becoming law

The Bill passed through all Parliamentary stages with Royal Assent being granted.

The Illegal Migration Bill is a key part of the government’s plan to ‘stop the boats’ and significantly simplifies the UK’s often complicated asylum system.

Under this Bill, those who arrive to the UK via illegal means, such as via the English Channel, will be prevented from applying for asylum until they have been removed to a safe third country like Rwanda.

This measure alone means 90 per cent of those who submitted asylum claims last year would no longer be able to stay in the UK.

Those who arrive to the UK illegally commonly submit appeals to their deportations as late as possible, leading to a significant backlog in the UK’s immigration system and costing taxpayers millions. The Illegal Migration Bill also deals with this aspect of asylum law by preventing these kind of late applications designed purely to frustrate the removals process.

Coun Bradley, Conservative MP for Mansfield and Nottinghamshire Council leader and member for Mansfield North, said: “One of the most common reasons constituents contact me is to talk about the small boat crossings and illegal migration. People are tired of the talk and want to see action. The Illegal Migration Bill gives the government the powers it needs to take action to stop these crossings. I am pleased to see it become law.’

“This Bill makes key changes to our asylum system. I particularly welcome the measure of blocking those who arrive to the UK via illegal means from applying for asylum until they have been removed to a safe country.

“This measure by itself is a huge change in our asylum law that will help show the UK is not a soft touch on the issue of illegal immigration. Thankfully, this Bill contains other measures such as the curbing of late applications and appeals that only seek to frustrate the removals process.

“I look forward to seeing the government utilise these powers and will be making sure to hold them to account on this, as I know how much people in Mansfield want to see this issue dealt with.”

Find more information on the Illegal Migration Bill here.