The Rwanda Bill was passed in parliament this week after a late night sitting of what is called ‘ping pong’ between the House of Commons and Lords.
We need to stop the illegal and dangerous crossings of the Channel as this week’s tragic deaths show. We also need to stop organised criminals from profiting from this terrible trade.
It is an issue of huge concern in Stourbridge and one I understand completely.
No other party has come up with any policy to stop the boats and all they have done is oppose the Bill at every stage. They have failed and I am proud to support a measure that will stop illegal migration and save lives. Much is being made of the deterrent effect. I think that will happen rapidly when the flights take off and people realise they have a good chance of having their asylum claim processed in Rwanda.
We are a fully sovereign nation because of Brexit and able to make these decisions. Those in genuine need of asylum have nothing to fear from this law either. As I have said before, the UK has a long and distinguished history of being a refuge for those in danger and nothing on that level has changed.
Migration is now a huge global issue in Europe and in North America. I think many countries are looking closely at what we have done and I suspect will look to emulate it. Doing nothing is not an option, as I am sure other countries will soon realise.
And to those who oppose this law I always say this: how many illegal migrants is OK for this crowded island of ours? One million? Two? Three? And they have no answer. Open borders and free movement are simply not practical anymore.
We have the legal right to control our borders. This new legislation will further tighten that right.
Local elections are fast approaching on 2nd May and I have been out with my hard-working councillor colleagues in many wards across Stourbridge in support of their campaigns. Local elections are important because so many services we rely on are the responsibility of councils and mayors. Stuff like emptying the bins, cutting grass or filling in potholes might be mundane but they are very much the services that affect people the most alongside other bigger ones like running our schools, the police and social care. How these services are delivered should always be the campaign focus on any local election.
Another reminder too. You now need photo ID to vote in any election. If you do not have a driving licence or a passport, or any other of the long list of acceptable ID, then you can get free ID from the council.