Thread by @stand_for_all

So here it is. Not a lot to be shocked by in the Nationality and Borders Bill which hasn't already been reported on, but now we have it there are some elements which definitely need addressing. 1/

First and foremost there is a very clear differentiation between refugees, ostensibly based on primarily their manner of entry. Despite the refugee convention prohibiting penalties for manner of entry it seems like they are being imposed across the board. 2/

There's also quite a bit which is seemingly unworkable. Without agreements in place with other countries, which it doesn't currently have, the UK can't remove someone to that country. So this seems liable to just leave asylum seekers stuck in detention and living in limbo. 3/

So far there's nothing new which we hadn't already been told countless times before in the press, but this section raises some very serious issues with once again violating international law, notably by potentially conducting what are commonly referred to as "pushback's". 4/

The UN has already condemned other states for conducting pushback operations, which aren't only illegal but also place asylum seekers lives in even greater jeopardy. 5/

There's a lot of horrendous stuff in the bill, a lot which seems on the surface of it to directly contravene international law. The thing is also a lot which is already covered by existing law, which makes it seem even more like a political stunt than a practical measure. 6/

Some of it, such as Clause 29 here, seems almost deliberately worded to guarantee additional litigation by seemingly creating different standards of proof and relying on a lot of subjectivity on the part of the individual processing the claim. 7/

The bill is a mix of existing law with some added nastiness thrown in and a hefty mix of illegality and unworkability to boot. Overall does nothing to address issues within the system, which are primarily down to Home Office delays and incompetence rather than asylum seekers. 8/

For a better analysis, along with a link to the actual bill, this thread and article by @ColinYeo1 are definitely worth reading. 9/

And another good addition from @BIDdetention on the bill seemingly making it harder for individuals to get bail, which seems an odd decision when if they're looking to increase prosecutions while simultaneously reducing costs to taxpayer of detention. 10/

This is also a good piece putting a human face on the reality of what Patel's bill, and the rhetoric being used to promote it, actually means for people by @AlasdairMack66 11/