The illegal immigration bill has generated endless controversy on its way to becoming law. The bill, which effectively bans asylum seeking in the UK, has faced heavy criticism for its treatment of children, its approach to modern slavery victims and other provisions that are likely to breach international law.
You might remember a lot of debate only last year over a new immigration act. Priti Patel, then home secretary, claimed the Nationality and Borders Act would finally fix the problems that have resulted from a “broken system … of illegal migration”. At the time, she stated it is “heartless and immoral” to let small boat crossings continue. But a year after the act came into force, crossings are still happening, with a record-high number in June 2023.
What’s the difference between these two pieces of legislation?
