In a joint letter in The Times…[Wednesday], the faith leaders write: “The Illegal Migration Bill falls short of our obligation towards the most vulnerable. It fails to meet the basic test of an evidence-based and workable policy. We need an alternative approach that reflects our country’s history, values and responsibility.”
They add: “The UK should take a lead in setting out a just, compassionate approach, ensuring that people seeking sanctuary are protected, claims decided quickly and justly, human traffickers are punished, and the root causes of mass migration are properly addressed.”
The intervention comes on the final day of the Report Stage of the Illegal Migration Bill in the House of Lords. The Archbishop of Canterbury will be speaking in the House of Lords this evening in the final debate, during which Peers will vote on amendments.
The Archbishop will speak in support of his amendment, which has been tabled with the support of Peers from the Government and Opposition benches.
"Illegal Migration Bill falls short of obligation towards most vulnerable. It fails to meet test of evidence-based & workable policy. We need alternative approach that reflects our history, values and responsibility": @JustinWelby and other faith leaders.https://t.co/YodztJAvNj
— Shoaib M Khan (@ShoaibMKhan) July 5, 2023