HARLOW’S MP, Robert Halfon, has supported a controversial new Bill brought forward by the Home Secretary to tackle crossings over the British Channel.

The new legislation will make it far harder for those who have entered illegally to stay in the UK, whilst helping those in most need of protection.

The government has already ended freedom of movement with the EU and introduced a points-based immigration system which Mr Halfon says allows “fair immigration that is fair to the taxpayer”. The new Nationality and Borders Bill aims to tackle the challenge of illegal immigration, particuarly in the English Channel.

The Bill will claims Mr Halfon

Remove those who enter the UK illegally having travelled through a safe country in which they could and should have claimed asylum

Increase the punishment for people smugglers who facilitate illegal entry to the UK, who will face up to life imprisonment

Overhaul the immigration and legal system to make it fairer with faster access to justice to help prevent the need for last-minute legal claims

Change how someone’s age is assessed to protect children from being wrongly moved into the adult asylum system and stop illegal entrants falsely claiming to be children

Strengthen the safe and legal ways in which people can enter the UK, including through the new UK Resettlement Scheme which started in February 2021

Grant resettled refugees indefinite leave to remain when they get to the UK, so they have certainty and stability to rebuild their lives, and helping them to learn English, get a job and thrive

Commenting on the Bill, Mr Halfon said: “I have always campaigned for fair immigration that is fair to the taxpayer. That’s why I supported our new points-based immigration system when it came through Parliament which meant we took back control of our borders.

“Unfortunately, we have seen far too many illegal crossings in the Channel which are being peddled by criminal gangs. This must end and I strongly welcome the new measures that the Home Secretary is bringing forward to deal with this issue.”