U.K. Cracks Down on Refugee Rights in Right-Wing Effort to “Stop the Boats”
Democracy NowNov 25, 2022
The Facts
On Tuesday, the UK’s Illegal Migration Bill passed through parliament after a contentious fight between the House of Commons and the unelected upper chamber House of Lords, and will now go for Royal Assent — formal approval from the King.
The legislation is a core part of PM Rishi Sunak’s effort to stop small boats filled with illegal migrants from entering the UK via the English Channel. The UK home secretary will now be legally obligated to detain and remove anyone who enters the UK illegally.
The Spin
Left narrative
The UK’s so-called “Illegal Migration Bill” is an assault on the rights and humanity of migrants, especially child migrants who are just trying to escape danger and pursue a better life. This bill is an act of cruelty, and the international community must stand by the asylum seekers who shouldn't be excluded from the UK.
Right narrative
PM Rishi Sunak and Tory MPs are 100% correct in their diagnosis of the UK’s illegal immigration crisis, and they know the government has an obligation to prevent hoards of people from flooding into the UK on small boats. Measures to stop illegal migration are necessary to not only protect the integrity of the UK as a nation but they are also of great importance to migrants who are often forced into boats and risk their lives.
