Early evening summary
Peers have inflicted six defeats on the government over the illegal migration bill. In the most recent, they voted by 216 votes to 163 – a majority of 53 – in favour of an amendment that would ensure that, under the bill, the lawfulness of immigration detention is still covered by the common law. Other amendments have strenghthened protections for LGBT people (see 3.49pm), for children (see 4.01pm and 4.19pm) and for pregnant women (see 4.48pm). The debate is still going on and move votes are expected. Last week, on the first day of the bill’s report stage debate in the Lords, there were four government defeats.
MPs have begun debating the economic activity of public bodies (overseas matters) bill, which is intended to stop councils operating anti-Israel boycott policies. But some Tories criticised the bill on the grounds that it would prevent councils expressing their disapproval of China. Opening the debate, Michael Gove, the levelling up secretary, said:
The bill before the house today does four things: it honours a manifesto promise that this government recommitted to in the last Queen’s Speech.
It affirms the important principle that UK foreign policy is a matter for the UK government. It ensures that local authorities concentrate on serving their residents, not directing resources inefficiently. And critically, it provides protection for minority communities, especially the Jewish community, against campaigns that harm community cohesion and fuel antisemitism.
In the 2019 manifesto, this government committed to, quotes, ban public bodies from imposing their own direct or indirect boycotts, disinvestment or sanctions campaigns against foreign countries. This legislation does just that. No more and no less.
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