THE much criticised Nationality and Borders Bill is set to become law after being passed through UK Parliament on Wednesday night.
The House of Lords had originally proposed amendments which sought to improve on aspects of the bill, but these were dropped last night. The bill is now expected to receive Royal Assent by the Queen in the next two weeks, meaning it will be passed into UK law.
Lord Coaker stated that the Labour Party had made the decision that it would not be appropriate for the Lords to send the Bill back to the Commons for a fourth time, effectively ending the long-standing "ping-pong" between the House of Commons and House of Lords.
Thus, the Government comfortably won the final vote 212 to 157 and the Bill was passed by the Lords.
The bill includes clauses to allow indefinite detention, offshore processing, and pushbacks at sea, and will allow differential treatment of refugees depending on how they arrive to the UK. It has been described as "racist", "despicable" and in violation of international law by numerous human rights bodies, charities and campaigners.
In February, the Scottish Parliament voted overwhelmingly to reject the Bill, with MSPs at the time raising concerns around interference with devolved powers, child welfare and harms over efforts to deal with human trafficking.
Sabir Zazai, CEO of Scottish Refugee Council said: “This is a sad day for people fleeing war and persecution. Even for former refugees like me who are now British citizens, this feels very personal. As if our contribution to the UK is being disregarded, that we’re not wanted.
“Though of course I do know the extreme, unworkable, and expensive measures in the bill, are not supported by most people in the UK. People from all backgrounds up and down the country have been standing up and being counted. Together we have shown the government that the bill doesn’t represent us. We will continue to stand in solidarity and friendship with everyone in our fight for refugee rights.”
Médecins Sans Frontières UK’s advocacy adviser Sophie McCann called the bill “discriminatory, violent and blatantly racist”, continuing to state that “any MP who voted in favour of it will be complicit in the abuse of some of the most vulnerable people in the world”.
She said: “We are utterly appalled that this despicable bill has passed. It will create a two-tier system that penalises men, women, and children for arriving to the UK via irregular means, regardless of the fact that safe and official routes are virtually non-existent.
“The Borders Bill will not work. It is as unfeasible as it is cruel. The assumption that the government will ‘break the business model of smugglers and trafficking gangs’ by shutting down safe and legal routes is ridiculous. These measures will only push people further into the hands of traffickers as there will be no alternative pathway to protection.”
Steve Valdez-Symonds, Amnesty International UK’s refugee and migrant rights director, said: “It truly is a bleak day for refugees fleeing conflict and persecution. Despite widespread opposition, including on its own backbenches, the UK government today ripped up the Refugee Convention – a longstanding international agreement - and shamefully abandoned the responsibility it owes to refugees.
“The Home Secretary’s attempt to paint this Bill as targeting ruthless criminal gangs is a cynical distraction from her true intent to simply, and at whatever the cost, punish, penalise and deter people who seek asylum.
“The xenophobia that underpins this Bill is plain – it is as ruthless to victims of repression, torture and exploitation as it is exploitative of the racism and prejudice they face.
“If the asylum measures in this Bill are implemented, people entitled to sanctuary will become even more vulnerable to people smugglers and abusers while the UK’s reputation is dragged through the mud.”
SNP's Shadow Secretary of State for Justice and Immigration Anne McLaughlin MP called the Bill a "full-frontal assault on the UK's international obligations", stating that "each and every MP who voted in favour of this Bill should hang their heads in shame".
She said: "This hateful piece of legislation will now see people seeking asylum criminalised with an offence punishable with up to 4 years in prison - even if they have fled the Taliban in Afghanistan, sought refuge from Syria, or escaped persecution.
"There are better alternatives available, not only to this Bill but also to the cruel and callous Rwanda deal. We can do so much better than this.
"The people of Scotland have opposed this 'anti-refugee' Bill every step of the way, but sadly the Tories have ploughed ahead regardless.
"Scotland must have the full powers of independence so that we can create a system where asylum seekers are treated with dignity and respect."
