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Ps are set to debate the Government’s controversial Illegration Migration Bill on Monday, as a row continues between the BBC and Gary Lineker over comments he made criticising the plan.
The legislation to crack down on Channel crossings – which would remove and ban asylum seekers from re-entry if they arrive in the UK through unauthorised means – sparked furore when it was unveiled by Home Secretary Suella Braverman last Tuesday.
Among critics was BBC Match of the Day (MotD) presenter Lineker, who described the proposal on Twitter as “an immeasurably cruel policy” and compared the language used to launch it with that used in 1930s Germany.
The government’s asylum policy has also come under from MPs, while charities and human rights organisations have condemned the plan as “unethical and impractical”.
The Illegal Migration Bill could also face challenge from the Tory backbenches when it goes to the Commons for its second reading on Monday, according to reports.
Some are concerned the legislation could see children and families being detained and deported, with former home secretary Priti Patel reportedly considering a potentially explosive intervention over the issue.
The BBC announced on Friday that it was temporarily removing Lineker from presenting duties after his criticism apparently breached the corporation’s impartiality guidelines – prompting other pundits to pull out of MotD appearances in solidarity.
The star is set to return to the flagship footaball show this coming weekend, it was reported on Monday, amid speculation he and the BBC are close to resolving their impartiality row.
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What is the Illegal Migration Bill, and why is it controversial?
The Illegal Migration Bill is legislation designed to crack down on people crossing the English Channel on small boats.
Unveiled in the Commons last Tuesday by Home Secretary Suella Braverman, the controversial policy would see refugees arriving by boats detained, removed and banned for life from claiming asylum in the UK.
Critics have warned the bill is “unworkable” and will leave thousands of migrants in limbo by banning them from ever claiming British citizenship.
The new bill is designed to clamp down on people crossing the Channel in small boats
/ PA ArchiveThe United Nations’ refugee agency urged MPs and peers to block the “profoundly” concerning plan, while human rights organisation Amnesty International UK said it contained nothing “fair, humane or even practical” and described it as a “shocking new low”.
But the Prime Minister and Home Secretary have defended the plans, with Rishi Sunak saying: “Stopping the boats is not just my priority, it’s the people’s priority.”
Read a full breakdown of the Illegal Migration Bill and how it would be enforced here, or listen to the Standard’s Political Editor Nicholas Cecil explain the plan on The Leader podcast.
