Member

The amendment would add irregular entry and arrival to the list of offences for which refugees may have a statutory defence and not be criminalised for arriving in search of sanctuary. For those who are not refugees, the offence is untouched. It would repeal Section 37 of the Nationality and Borders Act 2022, with its bad-faith interpretation of the convention. Apart from anything else, is it really a good use of a criminal justice system that is on its knees to prosecute even recognised refugees for illegal entry? This borders Bill and this Government might finally put clear blue water between a fair asylum system and the failed performative cruelties of the recent past. I beg to move.