Cross-party Parliamentarians’ statement on the Nationality and Borders Bill
As a group of cross–party Parliamentarians who are part of the Refugee, Asylum and Migration Policy Project (RAMP) we want to see a compassionate and considered debate around the Nationality and Borders Bill. We urge Parliamentarians from all parties to be mindful of the people seeking protection whom this Bill concerns and to avoid the use of dehumanising language in debate. We commit to do the same ourselves. Given the polarised nature that public debate can take we will work for unity rather than hostility within our communities.
Together, we will continue to call for the creation of safe routes for refugees to travel to the UK for protection. In order for safe routes to have the desired effect of preventing people from making dangerous journeys, it is necessary to have sufficient ambition about the overall number of people able to access the routes provided. Routes should focus on the regions from which refugees into the UK currently come from and be responsive to where new routes may be required. The existing safe routes should be maintained and not reduced.
We will support initiatives to help those granted protection in the UK to integrate and to be able to flourish within our communities. It is important that integration is at the heart of refugee and asylum legislation.
Throughout the debate on this Bill, it is important to remember the impact on children; to recognise their needs and our responsibilities to them - whether they come alone or with their families. Children and young people seeking sanctuary deserve an approach based on safeguarding their best interests, acknowledging their unique vulnerabilities.
We represent a diversity of opinion on this Bill but we will seek to work together where we can find common ground. We commit to engaging in debate which recognises the humanity of those who have to flee their homelands and seek protection no matter how they arrive in the UK.
Caroline Nokes MP
David Simmonds MP
Tim Farron MP
Neil Coyle MP
Rt Rev Paul Butler, Lord Bishop of Durham