Read on Twitter
Some thoughts from me on what MPs should be asking tomorrow during @carolinenokes UQ on asylum-seekers and changes to the immigration rules. https://twitter.com/PARLYapp/status/1338845007860682752
1. Will the new rules lead to an increase in detention for people they absolutely cannot deport - especially given the Govt. committed to reducing the detention estate just a year ago.
2. The Govt. has reduced foreign aid funding, how does this interact with the new rules. Will they be bribing countries who need international aid to take people? If they refuse, will they be refused aid?
3. The asylum backlog will not be reduced by deporting people. When will they consider action like granting positive decisions to people from clear asylum-producing countries/LGBT cases, lowering burden of proof, especially where they've been waiting 2 years+ for a decision.
4. Substantial changes to the asylum system occurring behind closed doors. Using MoD accommodation. Prosecuting refugees who have steered a boat. Introducing asylum bill but they're already doing terrible things without Parliament/public consent. When will we see the Bill.
5. Are we dropping our commitments to the Refugee Convention? Are these changes in line with our international agreements/responsibilities?
6. When will they make substantial changes to asylum accommodation, particularly given all the evidence that they are not fit for purpose. Why are people entering MoD accommodation required to sign non-disclosures.
People working closely on this @SoniaL77 @jonfeatonby will have more ideas. I hope we get some answers from the Govt.
