Lack of scrutiny of small boats bill risks unintended consequences

The UK's illegal migration bill risks unintended consequences due to lack of scrutiny. Tough new immigration measures could backfire without proper examination.

March 17, 2023 . 2:49 AM

1 min read

The illegal migration bill was given its second reading in the House of Commons, with perfunctory opportunities for scrutiny of the controversial new asylum policy.
The amount of time given to MPs and peers to scrutinise new laws has been declining for decades.
The illegal migration bill will be considered over two days by the whole chamber and subject to broad, partisan debate rather than detailed examination.
Without meaningful parliamentary scrutiny, there is a risk that MPs fail to spot potential unintended consequences that could undermine the government’s intentions.
The bill also contains “placeholder” provisions, making it difficult for parliamentarians to understand the government’s full intent.