BID amendments to Border, Security, Asylum and Immigration Bill to be debated in the Lords

Today, the House of Lords will debate our amendments to the Border, Security, Asylum and Immigration Bill.

We are proud to have tabled three key amendments aimed at keeping families together, protecting children, and ensuring access to justice for people affected by immigration detention.

The first amendment would make keeping families together a fundamental principle in immigration law and recognise family unity as being in the national interest.

The second amendment seeks to reduce the harm the Home Office causes children. Under current immigration law, the Home Office can legally harm children to facilitate the deportation of a parent. BID’s amendment would change that.

The third amendment would guarantee automatic legal advice for anyone detained under immigration powers within 48 hours. Unlike the criminal justice system, where legal advice is a right when someone is arrested, people in the immigration system can currently be detained and deported without ever speaking to a lawyer.

At a time when racism and xenophobia are being stoked and validated by people in power, BID believes these changes are more urgent than ever.

🗣️ Child abuse is never acceptable
🗣️ Families belong together
🗣️ Everyone deserves access to justice

Read the briefings: