London, UK, July 18, 2023 — Laura Kyrke-Smith, Executive Director of the International Rescue
Committee UK, says:
“Parliament’s passing of the “Illegal Migration” Bill through is damaging for Britain and devastating for people seeking safety from conflict and persecution.
The Bill dismantles people’s right to seek asylum in the UK; a right established in the wake of the Second World War, which has offered vital protection and hope in the decades since, and earned those who uphold it great respect. The UK’s established system of refugee protection is being undone without any indication that the intended future approach will work. Even by the Government’s own assessment, the Bill will be more expensive to implement than the current approach, and there is no evidence it will “stop the boats”.
This legislation has the potential to do great harm, and we urge continued consideration of the many more viable and humane alternatives.”