Lords defeat Immigration Bill

 

The Government has been defeated on the Immigration Bill, including amendments from the Liberal Democrats to protect the rights of British nationals living in the EU and EU citizens in the UK.

An amendment from Baroness Hamwee to preserve the right of UK nationals living in the EU to bring non-British family members with them if they return to the UK was passed yesterday afternoon.

Another amendment passed last night, tabled by Liberal Democrat peer Jonny Oates, to force the Government to provide EU citizens in the UK who are granted Settled or Pre-Settled Status with physical proof of their migration status – instead of the digital-only proof under the Government’s current system. 

Following the votes, Liberal Democrat peer Baroness Sally Hamwee said:

"The UK’s immigration system is broken, and it is hurting everyone. By making it harder for employers to recruit the workers they need and exposing more people to the discriminatory Hostile Environment, the Conservatives’ plans to end free movement will make things much worse.

"Liberal Democrats are also standing up for Brits in Europe and EU citizens in the UK. The Prime Minister promised that their rights would not be diminished by Brexit, and our amendments are crucial to upholding that promise.

"I hope the Government will now accept the common sense amendments that we have passed today, and not seek to overturn them in the Commons. These changes are badly needed to help restore public confidence in our immigration system."