LAST night, Members of Parliament – including Harlow’s MP, the Rt Hon Robert Halfon, passed the Government’s new “Nationality and Borders Bill” to tackle illegal immigration. 

The Bill, which is set to become law, has three key objectives:

1. To make the system fairer and more effective so that there is better protection and support for those in genuine need of asylum
2. To deter illegal entry into the UK breaking the business model of criminal trafficking networks and saving vulnerable people and children’s lives
3. To remove those with no right to be in the UK from the country

New measures to deter and end illegal immigration to the UK, include:

• Maximum life sentences for people smugglers
• Speeding up the removal of failed asylum claimants and criminals
• Stopping illegal arrivings gaining entry and increasing the maximum sentence for those illegally entering the UK
• Powers to process asylum claims offshore for those who arrive via illegal routes
• More support for victims of modern slavery and genuine asylum seekers

Commenting on the Bill, Mr Halfon said: “I have always campaigned and voted for an immigration system that is fair to the taxpayer. That’s why I supported the new Australian-style points based immigration system that was introduced last year and why I voted for the new Borders Bill.

“This Bill will ensure that we can take back control of our borders to stop illegal immigration. But it also retains our ability to be a compassionate country by strengthening the protections and support available for victims of modern slavery. Furthermore, the Bill will also enable us to crack down on people smugglers who make thousands of pounds trafficking vulnerable people, and children, across continents by ensuring they will now face the full force of the law.”