Law Society statement on Illegal Migration Bill

Responding to legislation introduced today in Parliament to address challenges with the UK’s asylum system, president of the Law Society of England and Wales Lubna Shuja said:

“As with all legislation the Law Society’s lens is the rule of law and access to justice. We will analyse carefully whether these principles have guided the government’s drafting of this bill.

“However, we are concerned that there has been no public consultation, including with lawyers, to ensure the bill is workable, provides due process for those claiming asylum or is compliant with international law.

“The government has already conceded the bill may not comply with international human rights law (European Convention on Human Rights) and questions remain about compatibility with the UN Refugee Convention.

“The rule of law is undermined if the UK Government takes the view that laws – international or domestic – can be broken. If a government breaks laws, it breaks trust with its own citizens and with international partners.

“We will be carefully combing the detail of this bill to determine whether it will lead to the Home Office delivering a fair and workable process, and seeking clarity from the government on whether it is compatible with the UK’s international obligations.

“Britain should have an asylum system that is fair and fit for purpose. It should make decisions - which have a profound impact on people’s lives - in line with our international commitments.”

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