All 1 Debates between Lord Balfe and Lord Robathan

Illegal Migration Bill

Debate between Lord Balfe and Lord Robathan
Wednesday 8th March 2023

(1 year, 8 months ago)

Lords Chamber
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Lord Balfe Portrait Lord Balfe (Con)
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My Lords, this is certainly not an ideal Bill, but the problem it seeks to address has been around for a long time. In my view, it lost us the referendum, which was a big tragedy.

Lord Robathan Portrait Lord Robathan (Con)
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It won us the referendum.

Lord Balfe Portrait Lord Balfe (Con)
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It won the noble Lord the referendum, but it lost me the referendum. The key point surely is that we live in a democracy. The people are demanding action in this area loud and clear, and it is our duty as a Government to deliver what the public want. The public want the boats stopped, so I hope that we can have a discussion on the basis of making the Bill work, not wrecking it.