Liberty responds to the Nationality and Borders Bill

Liberty has responded to the Government’s Nationality and Borders Bill, which was published today.

Jun Pang, Liberty’s Policy and Campaigns Officer, said: “We all want to live in a society that treats people with dignity and respect, no matter who they are or where they are from. We also all want to be safe and to keep our families safe. This Bill diminishes these values and puts people at even greater risk of human rights abuses, as well as undermining democracy in the process.

“Earlier this year, the Government launched a sham consultation that was opposed by hundreds of refugee and asylum rights organisations. Now, without even publishing its response, the Government has pushed ahead with a Bill that will threaten human rights.

“We know that attacks on rights always start with people who are already marginalised – and this Bill is no different. It seeks to undermine access to justice and make those in power untouchable by making it harder for migrants to hold decision-makers to account. Meanwhile misguided policies like offshore asylum-processing centres show the Government has not learned the lessons of Windrush and is intent on expanding the damaging hostile environment.

“This Bill is just one part of a much bigger plan from the Government to make itself untouchable, and which will have the effect of rolling back access to justice for everyone. Being able to challenge governments and other public bodies is at the heart of our democracy – but those in power are rolling out a sprawling web of changes to our ability to stand up to power in the courts, in Parliament and on the streets.”