Posted on by QuakerQARN

Government defeated on Lords amendments

Lords Dubs’ compromise amendment was passed by 279 votes to 172. It will ensure the relocation of  “a specified number of unaccompanied refugee children from other countries in Europe” to be determined by the Government in consultation with local authorities.
Lord Ramsbotham’s amendment on time limits on detention was passed by 271 votes to 206 and a further amendment regarding the detention of pregnant women tabled by Baroness Lister was also passed by 259 votes to 203.
Lord Alton’s compromise amendment which would have given asylum seekers permission to work after nine months was defeated (157 in favour and 217 against) because Labour did not support it. Lord Rosser (Labour) stated “we are currently reviewing this issue as part of a wider policy review and consequently we will not be supporting the Motion sending the matter back again to the Commons—albeit now saying nine months rather than six months”
As Lord Alton tactfully responded “I am disappointed that the noble Lord, Lord Rosser, feels unable today to come into the Lobby with us. After all, he was a signatory to this very same amendment, when it provided for six months, when it was before your Lordships’ House on a previous occasion.”
The amendments approved by the Lords will now go back to the Commons for reconsideration.
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Hansard: Immigration Bill   Â