Dear John,

Have you been following the progress of the Nationality and Borders Bill?

We’ve been watching as this Bill has been passed from the House of Lords to the Commons and back again. The Lords have so far held firm on changes they made to the Bill, which is a good thing.

In its original form, the Nationality and Borders Bill sought to criminalise asylum seekers based on how they entered the UK, and made assisting an asylum seeker an unlawful activity. Unless the Government agrees to make concessions on the Bill, it’s likely some of these awful things will pass into law. 

But we think there are opportunities for concessions - particularly on one aspect of the Bill

Some Conservative MPs have expressed support for the idea of extending the right to work in the UK to all asylum seekers who have been here for six months. I think this would be the right thing to do, helping people put down roots, build relationships and gain language skills, confidence and independence.

A recent evidence session held by the UK Trade and Business Commission found that significant post-Brexit gaps in the UK labour market had contributed to severe staffing issues in many industries, throwing them into economic turmoil. We believe that more Conservative MPs could be persuaded on this front.

Imagine coming to a new country. Imagine having no means of income to better your life. Imagine struggling with the stress and pain of having to leave your life behind. What you need is to find welcome and acceptance. Being excluded from putting down roots, and from earning your own way in Britain is the opposite, and surely hurts us all in the long run.

If we want asylum seekers to have a decent shot, we must let them work. 

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Best wishes,

Cary Mitchell,

Director of Operations, Best for Britain

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