The Illegal Migration Bill, which overcame challenges in the House of Lords, is poised to become law. The bill, which has received backlash from several refugee charities, will aim to stop small boats crossing the English Channel.
Home Office minister Lord Murray of Blidworth told peers it was costing taxpayers £6 million a day to provide accommodation for the arrivals.
He said: ‘With over 45,000 people making dangerous Channel crossings last year this is simply no longer sustainable. ‘If people know there is no way for them to stay in the UK, they won’t risk their lives and pay criminals thousands of pounds to arrive here illegally. ‘It is therefore only right that we stop the boats and break the business model of the criminal gangs exploiting vulnerable people, ultimately enabling the government to have greater capacity to provide a safe haven for those at risk of war and persecution.’The House of Lords debate came as a barge set to house 500 migrants began its journey from Falmouth, Cornwall, to Portland Port in Dorset, a month behind schedule.
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