Taking Responsibility
Tory MP Bob Seely is pushing for a plan that would give Parliament the power to cap the number of immigrants coming to the UK. Seely believes that making MPs directly responsible for immigration numbers is the only way to address the issue.
Annual Vote on Numbers
Under Seely's proposal, MPs would have an annual vote on the number of legal migrants and refugees allowed into the country. This would ensure that MPs are accountable to their constituents for their decisions on immigration.
Ministerial Presentation and Amendments
Ministers would be required to present an annual figure to Parliament, which MPs could then amend and vote on. This process would allow for greater scrutiny and control over immigration numbers.
Unsustainable Figures
Seely argues that the current immigration numbers are unsustainable and raise concerns about the availability of housing, schools, and healthcare services. He believes that action needs to be taken to alleviate the pressure on these resources.
Refugee Policy Changes
Under Seely's plan, refugee numbers would be fixed and all refugees would have to come through UN programs. Direct arrivals and those facilitated by organized crime would be prohibited. Seely also suggests that the asylum system needs to be reformed to address issues such as granting asylum to individuals from safe countries.
Future Steps
Seely intends to introduce his private members bill to Parliament in the coming months. If it does not become law next year, he believes it should be a key component of the Conservative manifesto for the next election.
Action from the Government
Immigration Minister Robert Jenrick is also working on plans to tackle unsustainable levels of immigration. Recent official figures revealed a record net migration figure of 745,000 people last year, higher than previously thought.
