Government faces staunch opposition to small boats bill

The UK Government faces staunch opposition to its controversial Illegal Migration Bill in both the Lords and the Commons.

Former Justice Secretary Robert Buckland warns the Lords will take a "dim view" of plans to deport migrants in defiance of ECHR rulings.

His warning has been echoed by Lord Thomas of Cwmgiedd, a former lord chief justice, who said the plan would be opposed by colleagues.

This week, a brewing rebellion against sections in the small boats bill relating to modern slavery also became evident in the Commons.

Ex PM Theresa May and ex Tory leader Iain Duncan Smith have lodged an amendment to prevent modern slavery victims being deported.

In March, MPs warned that the Illegal Migration Bill as it currently stands will undermine efforts to rescue and support modern slavery victims.

Analysis – by CARE’s James Mildred

Put simply, while the 'small boats bill' assumes victims will still be identified, they will not be entitled to support or prevention form deportation unless they are helping the police or prosecutors with their enquiries.

In other words, if you’re trafficked into the UK via a small boat, you’re identified, unless you decide there and then to help the police, you’ll be deported. The whole point, however, of long-term support is to give victims the time they need to make those sort of decisions.

Pioneer of the Modern Slavery Act, Theresa May, said the UK Government had agreed to meet with her to discuss her concerns around modern slavery. Perhaps at committee stage, we’ll see some changes and amendments made. They are badly needed.