Member

I approach the proposal with a small degree of caution, in that we must always be mindful of hardwiring provisions into statute that could have implications for flexibility in government policy and for how immigration law is best managed. It is not immediately clear that this is the most appropriate legislative vehicle, but I hope that the Minister can use this opportunity to clarify the Government’s position. Do Ministers remain fully committed to the BNO route as it currently operates, and have they given thought to whether such statutory underpinning of the scheme as suggested in this amendment might give greater reassurance without unduly constraining future policy-making? I look forward to hearing the Ministers’ views—I am looking at both Ministers.