Experts from the United Nations (UN) Friday condemned the UK Illegal Migration Bill for its failure to follow international human rights standards. The experts urged the UK government to stop the implementation of the bill, which received Royal Assent and became domestic law in the UK on Saturday.
The Illegal Migration Bill, introduced by Home Secretary Suella Braverman in March 2023, underwent three readings in each house between April and July. On July 18, the House of Lords backed down on their amendments, allowing the bill to progress to Royal Assent. Now that it has become law, the legislation deems that anyone who arrives in the UK “illegally” cannot claim asylum and will be detained and removed to their home country or another country where they may be able to claim asylum.
UN experts on the human rights of migrants, human trafficking, violence against women and girls, modern slavery and inhuman punishment stated that they are “deeply concerned” by this legislation, especially for those “in need of international protection.” They expressed concern over the detention powers granted by the bill, stating that “The detention of any adult migrant should be a measure of last resort, used only for legitimate purposes, for the shortest period of time and only when no other appropriate non-custodial alternatives are available.” The experts also highlighted the House of Lords’ amendments that tried to restrict the bill (which were overturned by the House of Commons) as they concerned the protection of children, victims of modern slavery and human trafficking victims. The experts claimed that “vulnerable people could be exposed to further harm and risks” due to this law.
The Royal Assent of the Illegal Migration Bill follows shortly after the UK Government received confirmation that their appeal to the Supreme Court regarding the “Rwanda Plan” (a further attempt to tackle illegal migration to the UK) has been granted. The Court of Appeal ruled in June that the plan was unlawful, but the Government can now challenge this ruling in the Supreme Court.
Despite concerns of experts within the UN, the judgement made in UK courts and other criticisms by human rights groups, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and Home Secretary Suella Braverman have celebrated the Illegal Migration Bill becoming law. In statements issued via Twitter, Sunak claimed, “I’m leaving no stone unturned to stop the boats,” while Braverman thanked the members of parliament who supported the legislation.
