RAMP MPs Speak at Report Stage Debate on the Border Security, Asylum and Immigration Bill
The Report Stage debate on the Border Security, Asylum and Immigration Bill took place yesterday evening, focusing on a range of proposed amendments to the legislation.
Several RAMP MPs took part in the debate.
Tony Vaughan (Lab) expressed support for the stronger enforcement powers highlighted in the Bill to tackle organised crime behind the small boat crossings and advocated for the introduction of safe and managed routes to asylum. He also opposed disapplying the Human Rights Act in immigration matters and urged a reconsideration of policies that prevent refugees from claiming citizenship based on their method of entry into the UK.
Tim Farron (Lib Dem) supported New Clause 21 which would allow asylum seekers to work—reducing public costs, improving integration, and lessening reliance on hotel accommodation. He also supported proposals for safe routes and humanitarian visas including a pilot scheme to allow those fleeing conflict to travel safely to the UK to claim asylum. In addition, Farron spoke out against the inflammatory language around migration and called for fairness, competence, and humane treatment in policy. He concluded by referencing Christian teachings on compassion, criticising recent political rhetoric that framed migrants as "strangers.
Olivia Blake (Lab) supported several new clauses aimed at improving transparency and support within the asylum system. She advocated for amendments which calls for regular Home Office reporting on deaths related to asylum processes and channel crossings (New Clause 1), and called for a review of the right to work for asylum seekers (New Clause 2), highlighting potential benefits for integration and well-being. She also backed New Clause 37, which seeks to ease the path to citizenship for UK-born children of migrants, to reduce barriers in education and other services. Blake expressed concern about divisive rhetoric around migration and stressed the importance of policies that promote community inclusion and safety.
Chris Murray (Lab) reflected on the purpose of the Bill, stating it aims to reduce dangerous small boat crossings across the Channel, which he views as a failure of previous immigration controls. He argued that deterrence strategies like the Rwanda scheme have had limited impact due to persistent demand and suggested focusing instead on disrupting the supply side, including smuggling networks. While acknowledging the importance of safe and legal routes for seeking asylum, he noted that such routes already exist and have served large numbers, but he questioned their effectiveness in reducing irregular crossings. Drawing on his experience in migration policy, he concluded that safe routes, while valuable, are unlikely to significantly impact the number of Channel crossings.