Richard Holden, MP for North West Durham, has today spoken in the House of Commons to welcome the Home Secretary’s New Plan for Immigration.
Announced on March 24th, 2021, the New Plan for Immigration has the following three objectives:
- To increase the fairness and efficacy of our system so that we can better protect and support those in genuine need of asylum
- To deter illegal entry into the UK, thereby breaking the business model of criminal trafficking networks and protecting the lives of those they endanger
- To remove more easily from the UK those with no right to be here
It is based on the principle of fairness and will be based on need. Those entering the UK illegally will see increased prison sentences and Border Force will be given additional powers. Age assessments will be strengthened and how someone enters the UK will impact on how their claim progresses. The framework will be streamlined to prevent repeat claims, especially those that frustrate removal.
At the same time, safe and legal routes for refugees will be strengthened and improved upon. The proposals are compliant will the European Convention on Human Rights, the Refugee Convention and the Council of Europe Convention on Action against Trafficking in Human Beings.
A consultation has been launched on the plans, which you can view and complete here.
Richard has now spoken in the House of Commons about the New Plan for Immigration, stating that, alongside the ‘overwhelming majority’ of his North West Durham constituents, he wants to see genuine refugees protected, but that the people smugglers and lawyers who spin out cases at huge cost to the taxpayer need to be stopped. The Home Secretary confirmed that the New Plan for Immigration will streamline immigration laws, ensuring that money goes to those who are in need.
This follows Richard’s speech in the House of Commons earlier this week during which he spoke about immigration and the plans for the Hassockfield Detention Site, which you can read about here. Richard has also called for opposition activists to stop spreading untrue rumours about the project, which you can read more about here.
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