While we're talking Immigration Bill I'd like to clarify *important* points about what it will & will not do.
The most important thing about this Bill is what it DOESN'T contain. That is, it doesn't contain even an outline of a new immigration system, points-based or otherwise.
The most important thing about this Bill is what it DOESN'T contain. That is, it doesn't contain even an outline of a new immigration system, points-based or otherwise.
The Bill contains legislation to end Freedom of Movement for Europeans & their families.
Other than that it contains a very large blank cheque giving the Home Secretary long-term & wide-ranging power to bring in a whole new immigration system through Secondary legislation.
Other than that it contains a very large blank cheque giving the Home Secretary long-term & wide-ranging power to bring in a whole new immigration system through Secondary legislation.
That means she will be able to bring in the new immigration system WITHOUT a new Immigration Bill.
Dont get me wrong, immigration bills are the worst, I'm not looking for more, but they give our Parliament the best opportunity to scrutinise, question & ultimately vote on the law.
Dont get me wrong, immigration bills are the worst, I'm not looking for more, but they give our Parliament the best opportunity to scrutinise, question & ultimately vote on the law.
The "points-based" system for the future immigration system has been outlined in a "policy statement" - this carries no force whatsoever. It us the back of Patwl's fag packet. And it covers almost no detail of what the new immigration system will look like for most.
So by voting through this Bill, MPs are CATEGORICALLY NOT voting through a new system they have seen & approve of.
They are voting to dedicate to Patel enormous power to design a system which she has barely hinted at the content of so far.
They are voting to dedicate to Patel enormous power to design a system which she has barely hinted at the content of so far.
They are giving her free reign on
-family reunion rights
-who will be entitled to apply for what kind of permanent settlement & after how long
-the entire asylum system
-the future of immigration detention
-NHS visas
-trafficking victims
All without seeing so much as a sketch.
-family reunion rights
-who will be entitled to apply for what kind of permanent settlement & after how long
-the entire asylum system
-the future of immigration detention
-NHS visas
-trafficking victims
All without seeing so much as a sketch.
If this is not a failure for democracy in our country I do not know what is.
This is really important, no matter what you think of the points based system they harp on about. These delegated powers must not be handed over so meekly.
This is really important, no matter what you think of the points based system they harp on about. These delegated powers must not be handed over so meekly.
And people wonder why I hold most MPs in such contempt. If I voted my job away with no oversight I would not expect to get paid. Useless spineless weasels. Dont even know half the time what their votes inflict on people.
With thanks to the enormous-brained @aliromah who has been banging this drum on twitter all of yesterday.
