Border Security, Asylum and Immigration Bill

Lord Sahota Excerpts

2nd reading
Monday 2nd June 2025 Lords Chamber

[Lord Sahota (Lab)]

My Lords, I wholeheartedly agree with the Government’s aim and the purpose of the Bill, which is primarily to stop people crossing the channel from France in dangerous boats. Since this route was exploited by the criminal gangs a few years ago, almost 100 men, women and children have tragically lost their lives attempting to cross the English Channel. In the Mediterranean Sea, thousands have perished over the years trying to reach Europe. These organised criminal gangs, who profit from the desperation of vulnerable people, must be stopped by whatever means necessary.

This is one of the most tragic aspects of our time: people fleeing poor countries, seeking a better life for their families, and escaping authoritarian and corrupt regimes. I speak as the son of an immigrant who, in the 1940s, left his country and moved from place to place before finally settling in the UK, in 1957. I know first hand the feelings of these refugees—I cannot help but feel empathy for them.

This refugee crisis is not new. Throughout history, thousands have fled their own country to escape prosecution and mistreatment. It saddens me to say that some politicians in Europe have used the misfortune and desperation of these refugees to advance their own political careers. They have stirred up hatred and xenophobia to win votes, rather than showing understanding and compassion. They should be ashamed of themselves. They have used these unfortunate people as a political football, instead of treating them with dignity and humanity.

However, as I have often said in your Lordships’ House, the UK remains one of the most tolerant, inclusive and welcoming countries in the world. I am proud that my father settled here and that his great-grandchildren are now part of Great British society.

Returning to the substantive issue of this debate, while I support the core intent of the Bill, we must be mindful of unintended consequences. As noble Lords know, I am not a solicitor—I usually leave such matters to the great legal minds in your Lordships’ House. However, here are some of my observations as a layman and long-standing supporter of Amnesty International and a staunch believer in the European Convention on Human Rights. I always place great value on the human rights and well-being of the underdog. I therefore ask the Minister to clarify some of these points.

One of my concerns is that some of the new offences in the Bill could inadvertently criminalise genuine asylum seekers and deter victims of modern slavery from coming forward. Does the Bill comply with the UK’s international obligation under the 1951 refugee convention regarding the rights of the individual seeking asylum?

Secondly, what consideration has been given to expanding safe and legal routes for genuine asylum seekers as an alternative or complementary approach to the enforcement measures in the Bill? Thirdly, what provisions are there to ensure that genuine victims of modern slavery are not inadvertently disqualified from protection or deterred from engaging with authority due to the new immigration offences or powers? Fourthly, does the Bill ensure robust judicial oversight of detention decisions, and does it prevent the disproportionate detention of the individual seeking asylum?

Finally, can the Minister assure me that the sharing of customs information by HMRC and the sharing of trailer registration information from the DVLA to catch organised immigration criminals will not result in a snoopers’ charter affecting the wider public?

While we all want to stop the ruthless smuggler gangs and save lives, we must also uphold our proud tradition of compassion and human rights. A just and human approach alongside firm border security is the only way forward.

UK Resettlement Scheme 2025

Lord Sahota Excerpts

Thursday 27th March 2025 Lords Chamber

[Lord Hanson of Flint (Lab)]

The noble Lord makes an important point that is absolutely vital. Individuals who come here as a part of our international obligations put pressure on public services, and that needs to be taken into account in relation to the issues on which we are in discussion with the UNHCR. The noble Lord mentioned housing, transport, medical services and education; they are all considerations. That is why, to go back to the point by the noble Lord, Lord German, and indeed the point made by the noble Lord, Lord Kirkhope, the Government are assessing on an annual basis with the UNHCR what assistance and support we can provide for refugees coming to this country. We want to meet our obligations, but we need to do so in a way that allows us to provide the required services in support. That is why I cannot give a figure to the noble Lord, Lord German, and why I welcome the flexibility mentioned by the noble Lord, Lord Kirkhope. It is an issue that noble Lords will continue to press me on, rightly, but this is important for the sustainability of the UK taxpayer as well as our international obligations.

[Lord Sahota (Lab)]

My Lords, in secondary legislation the Government claim that India is a safe country for refugees to be returned to. Are the Government absolutely sure about that, given India’s human rights record?

[Lord Hanson of Flint (Lab)]

We are guided by the requests that come to the United Kingdom from the UNHCR, and we will consider whatever requests it wishes to bring forward for the United Kingdom. My noble friend will appreciate that, at the moment, I do not think we have had any requests from the UNHCR in relation to India but, again, it is a matter for the agency, in discussion with us, to look at which countries it believes are generating refugees who need help and support. When it does that, the assessment is passed on to countries such as the United Kingdom to see where, how and if we can help; we stand ready to do so if, when and however we can.

Migrants: Indefinite Leave to Remain

Lord Sahota Excerpts

Thursday 6th March 2025 Lords Chamber

[Lord Hanson of Flint (Lab)]

I absolutely agree with the noble and learned Lord. We need to value those individuals who come here legally and via legal migration routes. They make a contribution to our society and fulfil many employment roles. They pay their taxes, put a range of cultural improvements into our society and help to improve the mix as a whole. However, I think that the noble and learned Lord will still recognise, to go back to the point made by the noble Lord, Lord Strathcarron, that that needs to be managed and examined. That is what the White Paper will do: examine the potential pressures and issues. But I want to emphasise that those who are here are welcome and contribute to our society positively.

[Lord Sahota (Lab)]

My Lords, there are some 175,000 Ukrainian migrants in this country, who arrived more than three years ago and are running out of their three years’ leave to stay. What is their status now?

[Lord Hanson of Flint (Lab)]

The Government have recently issued a statement revising and extending the Ukrainian scheme, and anybody who is here currently under that Ukrainian scheme will have been notified of the requirements under that. Their status will be regularised as long as the illegal occupation and invasion of Ukraine by the Russian state pertains.

India and Southeast Asia: Free Trade Agreements

Lord Sahota Excerpts

Thursday 6th March 2025 Lords Chamber

[Lord Sahota (Lab)]

My Lords, I thank the noble Baroness, Lady Anelay of St Johns, for securing this very important debate. I wish it was longer than one hour, but we are where we are.

The buzzword these days is trade. If noble Lords do not believe me, ask President Trump. It is trade that makes the world go round. These days, when it comes to a healthy relationship with another country, it is a healthy trade agreement that counts the most. Everything else comes after—mostly everything, and not always.

The UK and India have long historic and cultural links, going back hundreds of years. Every year, thousands of students come to the UK to study. Some of the Indian Prime Ministers have studied in UK universities. Dr Manmohan Singh was one; he is credited with opening up the Indian economy to the world—some even say that he is the saviour of the Indian economy. Then there is a large Indian diaspora, contributing not only to the UK’s economy but to academia and, dare I say, politics.

India is on the move. Its GDP is now the fourth-largest or fifth-largest in the world, ahead of the UK, and is on track to surpass Germany and Japan in the next decade. It is growing at over 70% annually, a pace that most developed countries can only dream of. Its ambition is clear: India wants to become a developed economy by 2047, when it marks the 100th anniversary of its independence. That means massive investment in infrastructure, technology, manufacturing and so on. It means a growing middle class of some 800 million people, hungry for British goods and services.

Where are we, then, on securing a free trade deal with India? I understand that negotiations have been ongoing for more than two years, and that they are not getting anywhere. It is my understanding that it is India that is dragging its feet. In today’s world, trade is not just about goods and services: it is about relationships, influence and shaping the future of our economy. Can the Minister tell us what the current timeline is for concluding a UK-India free trade agreement? What concrete progress has been made on resolving key sticking points? Trade is about growth, jobs and opportunity. If we get this right, we can shape the UK’s economic future for decades to come, but, if we get it wrong—or worse, do nothing—others will fill the gap. I urge the Government to move swiftly, be bold, and ensure that Britain is at the heart of the fastest-growing region in the world. I look forward to the Minister’s response.

Windrush Compensation Scheme

Lord Sahota Excerpts

Thursday 19th December 2024 Lords Chamber

[Lord Hanson of Flint (Lab)]

We have received more than 9,300 claims, and decisions have been made on 8,448 of them. Some claims have been turned down, which means that it is a bureaucratic process by its very nature. People have to prove, difficult though it is, that the issues that have driven them to apply to the scheme are valid, because ultimately this is about using taxpayers’ money for an injustice. There are a number of problems, but we are trying not to worry about what happened previously. We are trying to reset the relationship to ensure that—with the new Windrush scheme, with an independent commissioner and with energy from Ministers to get this driven through—we can resolve this issue in the interests of not only Windrush victims but wider society as a whole.

[Lord Sahota (Lab)]

My Lords, before I ask my question, I wish all noble Lords a happy Christmas and a prosperous and peaceful new year.

I congratulate the Government on recognising the contribution that the Windrush generation have made over the years, because they helped to build Britain after the Second World War. The Government funded a commemorative statue at Waterloo station some years ago; I went to see it last year and was really proud of it. Do the Government have any plans to give similar recognition to other minority communities who also played a significant role in helping to build Britain after the Second World War, such as the Sikh communities who helped to keep the West Midlands foundries going?

[Lord Hanson of Flint (Lab)]

I second my noble friend’s welcome for Christmas and new year—in fact, I third his welcome, because I think we are all ready for that break in due course.

He mentioned the contribution of many people who came to this country from our Commonwealth partners abroad, and who have contributed to building the Britain that I grew up in. It is important that we recognise their contribution. People from both the Sikh community and the Windrush community have helped make the Britain that I am proud of, and I wish them well. I cannot commit to a statue today, but I note his representations and will certainly reflect on them. We hope that, however it is done, the recognition will be made.