Small boats 'vanity project' bill trashes UK's reputation

EMBARGO: IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Responding to the Home Office Secretary's Oral Statement outlining the Government's new Illegal Migration Bill, Liberal Democrat Home Affairs Spokesperson Alistair Carmichael MP said: 

"Surely a law that is designed to circumvent human rights laws is not one that is fit for purpose? The UK has a proud history of offering sanctuary to those in need of international protection, but the Conservatives are more intent on trashing that legacy than ever before. 

"Just like their botched Rwanda plan, this new legislation is immoral, ineffective and incredibly expensive for the taxpayer. It does nothing to punish the evil gangs who are responsible for these dangerous crossings, and instead criminalises their victims.

"This is not a practical or sustainable solution, it's another vanity project for this Conservative Government. The only way to stop these dangerous crossings is to create safe and legal routes for refugees so small boats are not their only option."

ENDS