UK House of Commons approves controversial asylum bill

British lawmakers have approved a sweeping bill that will dramatically curb migrants’ ability to seek asylum in the United Kingdom, despite critics’ allegations that it breaks international law.

The Illegal Migration Bill was approved on Wednesday by the lower house of Parliament by a vote of 289 to 230, after the government accepted several amendments from rebel Conservatives, who claim it will deter tens of thousands of people from trying to reach the country each year.

It now goes from the House of Commons to the House of Lords, where it faces strong opposition — though the unelected upper chamber of Parliament can only amend or delay, but not block, the legislation.

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has made this bill one of his five key priorities. Last year, the government made it a criminal offence for individuals to arrive in the UK without a visa or special permission.

Once it passes, the law will likely mean anyone who arrives on small boats will be prevented from claiming asylum and deported either back to their homeland or to a so-called safe third country, such as Rwanda.  They would be banned from ever re-entering the UK.

(Aljazeera)