This week, I voted 18 times to protect common-sense amendments made to the Bill in the House of Lords. This included measures to protect Children and Pregnant women from being detained indefinitely, which we managed to pressure the government into accepting. Frankly, I’m disgusted they thought this was acceptable in the first place.  

I also voted for a 10-year strategy for dealing with refugee crises and human trafficking, protections for LGBTQIA + people  and more support for  victims of people trafficking and modern slavery.  

You can see the full set of amendments I supported here. The bill will now go back to the Lords next week.  

As your MP I have strongly opposed this proposed new law at every opportunity. I will continue to urge the government to take a different approach. I want to see the government reform safe routes for refugees to stop innocent people being exploited by gangs. 

The overwhelming majority of the millions of people worldwide fleeing war and persecution remain displaced in their own country or living in refugee camps in neighbouring countries. The much smaller proportion who make their way to the UK often do so because they have a link to our country. 

I am proud of Bristol’s status as a City of Sanctuary, welcoming asylum seekers and refugees. 

In Bristol West I have among the largest volumes of asylum and immigration related casework in the country. I also enjoy a strong working relationship with the charities, faith groups and people in Bristol supporting those who have had to flee war and prosecution.  

I won’t be letting these people, or you, down.