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

The Border Security, Asylum and Immigration Bill is now at Committee Stage in the House of Lords. RAMP Associates Lord Rees and Lord German spoke at the fifth sitting of the Committee Stage.

Lord Rees of Easton introduced Amendment 155A, which would require the Home Secretary to report annually to Parliament on asylum seekers’ right to work, creating space for evidence-based debate without mandating immediate policy change. He argued that allowing asylum seekers to work would benefit the economy, improve mental health, ease pressure on public and voluntary services, and support integration by countering misconceptions about unwillingness to work. Highlighting broad backing from businesses, trade unions, local leaders and international examples where quicker access to work is standard, he warned that restrictions risk fuelling illegal employment and exploitation. He urged Parliament to pause and reflect on evidence, focusing on practical solutions rather than fear-driven narratives.

Lord German spoke in support of Amendments 151, 152 and 154, which seek to expand work rights for asylum seekers and victims of modern slavery, and to improve protections for migrant workers in the fishing industry. He argued that allowing asylum seekers to work would cut public spending on support and accommodation, reduce child poverty and homelessness, improve community cohesion, and align the UK with other countries, while evidence suggests it would not act as a “pull factor.” He also called for work rights for those in the national referral mechanism, noting the long delays in modern slavery decisions, and highlighted concerns over migrant fishers facing poor conditions and exploitation under current contracting rules, stressing the need for stronger protections.

Lord German also backed Amendments 142–145, saying they are needed to protect people with status under the EU Settlement Scheme (EUSS) and to keep the UK in line with the withdrawal agreement. He said anyone facing the loss of their status should always be told the decision, given the reasons, treated fairly, and allowed to appeal. The amendments, which aim to give stronger protection to EUSS residents, would cover people whose status has been changed, those granted residency at the Home Office’s discretion, and stop status being removed without proper safeguards. He said these changes would make the system fairer, clearer, and more consistent.