Local MP absent for Rwanda vote

MP for Hertford & Stortford Julie Marson was not in Parliament on Monday evening to vote on the government's key immigration bill.

The Safety of Rwanda (Asylum and Immigration) Bill had its second reading on Monday and in a vote was passed with 313 votes in favour and 269 votes against.

The Bill unilaterally declares Rwanda a safe country and disapplies parts of the Human Rights Act in regard to deportations and gives ministers the right to ignore the European Court of Human Rights if it steps in with an injunction.

The issue has deeply divided the Conservative government, with some MPs claiming the bill does not go far enough whilst others say it could break international law.

An analysis by pollster YouGov recently revealed that immigration now ranks as the second most important issue facing Britain after the economy.

Posting on her website, Mrs Marson said: "Last night Parliament voted on the Government's emergency Rwanda bill. While I was unable to be in Westminster and so could not vote on the bill, I want my constituents to know my position on this.

"I fully support all efforts to defeat the people smugglers at the heart of this terrible trade, and I want to see an end to the merry-go-round of legal challenges hindering the Government's plans to stop the boats.

"From my own conversations with Ministers on this issue, I know that the Government is committed to doing whatever it takes to tackle the people smugglers fuelling these Channel crossings. I am confident they will deliver on that. When people know that if they come here illegally, they won’t get to stay – they will stop coming and we will stop the boats."