The Asylum and Immigration Bill

I have received 2 representations on this Bill.

I looked carefully at the proposals in the Bill and what they actually meant in practice before deciding how to vote. I considered carefully the idea of 'rebelling' before listening carefully and rationally to the arguments and deciding not to support the amendments.

I have always taken the line on this issue that I will be swayed by rational argument and not by the headline grabbing racist agenda of the Mail and others in Fleet Street. Equally I do not believe the briefings of those opposed to certain elements of the Bill, particulalrly from the legal profession. From my 7 years of delaing with individual casework in this area one of the few places I will take no lessons from are lawyers and those who look to represent thier interests - not those of asylum seekers. As I have a general interest in child welfare I also considered very carefully some of the hype surrounding the issue of children and failed asylum seekers.

I felt, and still do on balance, that the measures are broadly about right, but that hopefully in the Lords further tightening and clarity can be built into the legislation.