Member

Today, we are debating Immigration Rules proceedings. Amendments 1 to 4 state that the Government should make some changes. My response, as is the case with any changes to the Immigration Rules, is that the Government will require reasonable time. We have had some suggestions about what that reasonable time would be. Personally, taking into account all these factors and more, I think that setting arbitrary dates for laying rules and when they come into effect is not conducive to good policy-making. Therefore, can I support those amendments? No, I cannot. Will I vote against them if they are pressed? Well, there may be a discussion between the noble Baroness, Lady Hamwee, and the Conservatives as to what will happen, but we will see, if they come to a vote, in due course.