Law Society of Scotland challenges progress of Illegal Migration Bill to second reading

The Law Society of Scotland has raised concerns that the UK Government is pressing ahead with legislation which may not be compatible with the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR), potentially contravening UK law and the 1951 UN Refugee Convention.

The UK is obliged to comply with its international obligations or it risks acting contrary to the rule of law.

In introducing the Bill, Home Secretary, Suella Braverman said she had been unable to state whether the provisions of the Illegal Migration Bill were compatible with the Convention rights, but stated that the UK Government still wished the Bill to proceed.

Stuart McWilliams, Convener of the Law Society of Scotland Immigration and Asylum Committee, said: “We have huge concerns about aspects of this Bill. And our concerns have been exacerbated by the very short period between the Bill’s introduction and its second reading on Monday, 13 March, less than a week later. Very little time has been allowed for it to be reviewed in its entirety and for the proper checks and balances which are an important part of the parliamentary process.

“It’s vital that the UK meets its international obligations and that our law is compatible with the ECHR.

“We are calling for the UK Government to answer fundamental questions regarding the Bill’s process, purpose and legality and demonstrate a firm commitment to the rule of law.”

Find out more about our work on the Bill.