REACTION: Nationality and Borders Bill

Responding to the House of Commons voting on amendments made by the Lords to the Nationality and Borders Bill, Pauline Chetcuti, Oxfam Head of Policy said:

“The Ukrainian conflict painfully illustrates how innocent civilians everywhere have no choice but to flee conflict, persecution and violence. We need an asylum system that is based on the principle of protection, not punishment.

“This Bill flagrantly undermines our obligations under international law to give all those who seek sanctuary a fair hearing. Amendments introduced by the House of Lords that would have rejected the worst elements of this Bill - including removing the clauses that punish refugees based on how they arrive to the UK and removing offshore processing - have unfortunately been voted down in the House of Commons today, leaving some of the most harmful parts in place.

“The UK government needs to urgently provide adequate, safe routes for people fleeing violence and bloodshed in Ukraine, Yemen or elsewhere.”

Ends

For more information and interviews, please contact Lisa Rutherford on 07917 791 836 / lrutherford@oxfam.org.uk