The Scottish National Party have warned that they will “oppose” Suella Braverman’s new illegal migration bill amid concerns over “serious and devastating harm” for migrants.
Under new proposals anyone arriving in Britain by crossing the Channel in a small boat – or any other unauthorised means – would no longer be able to claim asylum in the UK.
Instead, they would only be eligible for asylum in a “safe” third country, such as Rwanda.
They would also receive a lifetime ban on citizenship or re-entry to the UK.
The Scottish National Party have warned that they will “oppose” Suella Braverman’s new illegal migration bill
GB News
Speaking in the House of Commons, SNP spokesperson Stuart McDonald said the party would oppose the bill.
“The SNP stands proudly behind the Refugee Convention and the European Convention,” he said.
“We believe that all who seek asylum and seek refugee status deserve a fair hearing and we are 100 per cent behind the clear statement from the United Nations high commissioner for refugees that there is no such thing as an illegal asylum seeker.
“Her bill will not so much as lay a solitary finger on people smugglers or people traffickers but it will cause serious and devastating harm for people who have endured incredible suffering.”
He added: “That is what her appalling bill looks set to deliver and that is why we oppose it every step of the way.”
The comments came in the wake of criticism from campaigners who said the proposed policy would be unworkable.
Other opposers of the legislation include Labour’s shadow home secretary, Yvette Cooper who branded the Bill a “con” and described the plans as “Groundhog Day” less than a year after reforms were brought into force under the Nationality and Borders Act.
But Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has argued that the new Bill is a “vital” step to stop the crossings altogether by toughening up rules on detentions and removals.
Suella Braverman has faced criticism from campaigners who said the proposed policy would be unworkable
PA
Home Secretary Suella Braverman says the Bill is “how we will stop the boats”.
Speaking in the Commons, she said: "For a Government not to respond to waves of illegal migrants breaching our borders would be to betray the will of the people we were elected to serve.
“They will not stop coming here until the world knows that if you enter Britain illegally you will be detained and swiftly removed.
“Removed back to your country if it is safe, or to a safe third country like Rwanda. And that is precisely what this Bill will do. That is how we will stop the boats.”