Human rights implications of Illegal Migration Bill examined
The Joint Committee on Human Rights begins its legislative scrutiny of the Illegal Migration Bill on Wednesday 22 March when it takes evidence from immigration barrister, Colin Yeo; international law expert, Dr Jean-Pierre Gauci and Refugee Council representative, Jon Featonby.
The Illegal Migration Bill was introduced on 7 March. The Government has said the bill would deter illegal entry into the UK, combat people smuggling and make it easier to remove people who do not have a legal right to remain. It would also allow for an annual cap on the number of people admitted to the UK under ‘safe and legal’ asylum routes.
Likely areas of questioning
In this evidence session, the Committee will examine how the clauses in the bill would affect rights protected under the European Convention on Human Rights. This will include measures intended to improve the Government’s ability to remove people who come to the UK by irregular means and prevent wrongful modern slavery claims. It will also question whether it meets the UK’s human rights obligations under international treaties, including the Refugee Convention and the UN Convention on Rights of the Child.