MP: Opposition has no plan to combat Channel crossings
Last night the House of Commons passed the Rwanda legislation unamended, with the Bill clearing Third Reading with a healthy majority of 44. This legislation is intended to address the concerns raised by the recent Supreme Court ruling and to lay the groundwork for flights of illegal immigrants to begin shortly.
John said,
“I welcome the passage of this legislation, which adheres to international law, through the House of Commons, and hope it will also pass through the House of Lords in good order similarly unamended. The sooner the legislation is passed, the sooner the Government can begin to take further actions to deter people from embarking upon the dangerous – and illegal – crossings of the Channel in small boats.”
“The Rwanda scheme is only one component of the Government’s actions to address these crossings, which reduced the number of people crossing the Channel last year by 36%. In a demonstration that a functioning removals agreement does deter crossings, arrivals from Albania are down 94% as a result of our deal with the Albanian Government.”
“Although opposition parties line up to criticise the Rwanda scheme, it is clear they have no workable solutions to these illegal crossings. If elected, Labour has committed to scrapping the Rwanda agreement even if it is working.”
“In the end, I am pleased Conservatives came together to pass the legislation with a sound majority. I still remain optimistic about the General Election, but success is dependent upon a party united against the opposition. A house divided against itself will not stand.”
Notes to Editors:
- Please also see John’s press release of 12th December (‘John Baron MP questions Home Secretary on Rwanda legislation’).
