With deadly Channel crossings daily, Parliament sat late for the second reading of the Nationality and Borders Bill, which passed. Richard Holden, MP, for North West Durham, stood up to back the bill.
Illegal migration is not only wrong but deadly. For many years the most desperate have been exploited, forced to pay extortionate amounts, held as if kidnapped and sadly all to often died as they attempt to cross the Channel. Making good on its manifesto promise the Government has set out to stop illegal migration.
Through the new bill the Home Secretary outlined plans to overhaul the approach to asylum and illegal migration, delivering a fair but firm system; fairness towards those who need help, welcoming people through safe and legal routes, but firmness in stopping abuse of the system and expediting the removal of those who have no legitimate claim for protection.
In speaking for the bill, Richard Holden MP makes good on his manifesto promise, to bring about a sensible immigration policy based on the UK's need and not how much people, with no claim to asylum, can pay to be smuggled.