Wales as a Nation of Sanctuary exists for friends from overseas once they arrive here and access devolved services, although those services are already under massive pressure, with a housing supply crisis and the worst NHS waiting times in Britain.
However, immigration is a non-devolved matter reserved to the UK Government.
Of course we recognise concerns about the impact this Bill may have on unaccompanied children and victims of human trafficking, about the need for safe and legal routes into the UK and about the need to provide sanctuary for those fleeing war and persecution.
We are also aware that these concerns are being raised by Members of all parties in both UK Houses of Parliament, where responsibility for amending this legislation lies.
However, we also acknowledge:
- that over 45,700 people arrived in small boats in 2022, a 60% increase on the preceding year.
- That people have lost their lives attempting to cross the UK’s busiest shipping lane in flimsy boats.
- That those making these crossings are coming from safe countries.
- That the people who make these journeys are manipulated by people smugglers who charge them thousands of pounds, before using this money to fund other serious crime.
- and that we cannot continue adding unacceptable pressures on our health, housing, educational and welfare services.
The duty to remove in clause 2(1) of the bill does not require the Secretary of State to make removal arrangements for unaccompanied children until they turn 18 years old.
As a matter of policy, the power in clause 3(2) of the bill will only be exercised for unaccompanied children whilst under 18 in very limited circumstances ahead of them reaching adulthood, such as for the purposes of family reunion or where removal is to a safe country of origin.
If someone is identified as a potential victim of modern slavery, the Bill will ensure they are safely returned home or to another safe country.
Removal from the UK may be deferred where a person is co-operating with law enforcement agencies in an investigation into the circumstances of their trafficking or modern slavery.
Between 2015 and December 2022 the UK offered a place to 481,804 men, women and children seeking safety via safe and legal entry routes.
We now need to see a commitment from the Welsh Government to working alongside the UK Government to increase the availability of safe and regular routes to our shared UK.
As illegal migration is restricted, the UK Government will have greater capacity to provide a safe haven for those at risk of war and persecution – and the Bill provides for the UK Government to commit to resettling vulnerable refugees from around the world every year.
We will be supporting this motion accordingly.