The last couple of weeks have been very busy in Parliament. Last week saw the Chancellor of the Exchequer present the Budget and also, as MPs, we had our first vote on the new Illegal Migration Bill.
In terms of the Budget, despite the enormous global challenges, the UK is proving the doubters wrong thanks to the difficult decisions we have made. The Budget is building on the decisions taken at the Autumn Statement last year to restore economic stability and lay the foundations for long term growth. The Budget looks to deliver three of the Prime Minister’s five priorities: to halve inflation, to get debt falling, and grow the economy.
One of the Prime Minster’s other priorities is to stop the small boats. I know that this is a key issue for many constituents, given the use of local hotels to house asylum seekers. This is an issue I have spoken in the House of Commons about over recent months, raising constituents’ concerns directly with Ministers.
The driver for using hotels has been because the UK has found itself in a situation where it is accommodating a much larger number of asylum seekers than was the case previously. This is due to criminal smuggling gangs exploiting desperate individuals and putting their lives at risk as they cross the English Channel, the world's busiest waterway.
The UK has a proud history of supporting those in need of protection and we should treat all visitors to Cannock Chase with respect and compassion. There are many genuine asylum seekers that are fleeing war, persecution, violence or other life-threatening situations.
However, entering the UK illegally is not the way to receive our help. We must stop the small boat crossings. Not only will it save lives, but it will also end the need to use local hotels.
To that end, I was pleased to support the Government when we voted on the Second Reading of the new Illegal Migration Bill. This is a significant piece of legislation because it will end illegal entry as a route to claim asylum in the UK.
The measures in the Bill will remove the incentive for people to risk their lives through dangerous and unnecessary journeys and 'pull the rug from under' the criminal gangs profiting from this misery once and for all.
Under measures in the Bill, illegal migrants will be detained and swiftly removed to their home country if safe, or another safe third country, such as Rwanda, where they will be supported to rebuild their lives. Anyone illegally entering the UK will be prevented from accessing the UK’s world-leading modern slavery support or abusing these laws to block their removal.
This Bill will ultimately help break the business model of people-smuggling networks, and crucially, save lives. I am pleased that the Government is taking this action to stop the small boats.
As always, if you require my help with anything at all please do not hesitate to contact me via e-mail at [email protected] or by telephone on 01543 877142.
