Rachel has backed the Government’s emergency legislation to stop the boats.
Yesterday (December 12th), the Safety of Rwanda Bill passed its Second Reading in the House of Commons.
It’s the toughest legislation ever introduced to tackle illegal immigration – making it unequivocally clear that Rwanda is a safe country where illegal migrants can be lawfully relocated, and ending the merry-go-round of legal challenges that have blocked the Government’s policy for too long.
The Rwanda Partnership plays a key part in the UK’s efforts to crackdown on the people smuggling gangs, stop the boats and save lives.
While Channel crossings are already down by a third - the first-year numbers have dropped since this problem started - this Bill goes further to deter illegal migrants and ensures the Government decides who can and who cannot enter the UK.
Meanwhile, Labour attempted to block the Government’s plan to stop the boats, proving they will never take the difficult decisions needed to control the UK’s borders and stop the boats.
Rachel said:
“We need to deter illegal migrants from handing people smuggling gangs thousands of pounds to make perilous journeys across the English Channel.
“I believe this Bill, the toughest legislation ever introduced to tackle illegal immigration, will act as they deterrent we need. It makes it unequivocally clear that, if you enter our country illegally, you will be detained and then removed to Rwanda.
“And while this Government has a plan, my constituents should know that Labour does not, and they should know whose side Labour is really on.
“Is Labour on the side of my constituents who want secure borders and a fair immigration system? No. Labour is on the side of foreign criminals who we have attempted to deport but have been blocked after vociferous campaigning from Labour MPs, including Sir Keir Starmer, and their friends in the Legal Aid sector. It’s shameful. You really can’t trust a word Sir Keir says about stopping the boats.
“My position on illegal migration is clear. Every sovereign nation has the right to control its borders and to decide who can and who cannot enter their country. This Conservative Government is clearly exercising that right and it has my full support in doing so.”