Labour wants to ‘throw open’ nation’s borders

LABOUR has been accused of trying to derail the Government’s flagship immigration reforms and “throw open Britain’s borders”.

Immigration minister Tom Pursglove has denounced Labour efforts to make changes to the Nationality and Borders Bill.

Shadow home office minister Bambos Charalambous had tabled an amendment that would lift the 5,000 limit on the Afghan citizens resettlement scheme, alongside a host of other proposed changes.

He also joined the SNP in trying to require the authorities to accept late evidence from asylum seekers in certain circumstances.

Tories said this would allow people to “game the system at the expense of the taxpayer by having different claims heard separately”.

Mr Pursglove said: “I am thankful that our Conservative MPS have stood up for common sense and rejected these nonsensical ideas but there is no doubt more to come.

“It is clear that Labour still aren’t listening. They have no regard for the views of the British people who want a fair, but firm, system.

“Instead, they are determined to throw open Britain’s borders if given the chance, illustrated by their refusal to even defend the sensible parts of their past record in Government – such as the principle that people should seek asylum in the first safe country they reach, rather than making dangerous crossings to the UK.

“We are clear – nobody should be getting in a small boat to come to Britain from France. Only our New Plan for Immigration will deliver the fair but firm system the British people want.”

Mr Charalambous said: “This is a shameful attempt to play politics by a minister who doesn’t understand his own Bill. Labour is pushing for amendments that will lift the 5,000 cap on the number of Afghan refugees we can help – while looking to speed up asylum processing, as the number getting a decision within six months fell from 87 per cent in 2014 to 20 per cent in 2019.”