RAMP Associates Speak at Committee Stage of the Border Security, Asylum and Immigration Bill

 The third sitting of the Committee Stage of the Border Security, Asylum and Immigration Bill took place yesterday.

RAMP Associate Baroness Lister (Lab)  spoke on Amendment 102A, which calls to repeal Section 12 of the Illegal Migration Act, arguing it undermines judicial oversight and enables indefinite immigration detention. Citing concerns from the UNHCR, medical professionals, and human rights groups, she stressed the harmful mental health impacts of detention, particularly on women, and called for a time limit and investment in community-based alternatives proven to be more humane and cost-effective. The amendment was withdrawn. 

RAMP Principal Lord German (Lib Dem) spoke on Amendment 103 tabled by Baroness Hamwee (Lib Dem) which calls to repeal Section 29 of the Illegal Migration Act, which mandates removal of individuals deemed to have acted in “bad faith.” Lord German called for legislative changes to better identify and support trafficking victims through the National Referral Mechanism. He urged the Home Office to provide evidence of alleged system abuse and highlighted the UK's responsibility to uphold international legal commitments. The amendment was withdrawn.