Simon Kirby, MP for Brighton Kemptown and Peacehaven, has been selected to sit on the Immigration Bill Committee which held its first meeting in the House of Commons yesterday, Monday October 29.
The Government’s Immigration Bill passed its Second Reading on the October 22. It has now progressed to Committee Stage where it will be further examined by a panel of MPs, who will hear evidence from a range of experts over the coming weeks.
The aim of the Bill is to reform the immigration system so that it works in the interests of the United Kingdom. The legislation seeks to make it easier and quicker to remove individuals who have no right to be here and to prevent illegal immigrants accessing and abusing public services or the labour market.
Mr Kirby said:
“I am honoured to be representing my constituents on the Immigration Bill Committee, because I know that this issue is very important to people in Brighton Kemptown and Peacehaven. Immigration has improved our country enormously, but people want to ensure that the system works in the interest of the UK by attracting people who will contribute to our economy and society. We need a system that is fair to British citizens, and prevents people with no right to remain in the UK from flouting the law and abusing public services.
“This Bill is further evidence of the Government’s commitment to sorting out the mess of an immigration system that it inherited from Labour. It will cut down bureaucratic red tape, streamline decisions and restrict the number of opportunities for appeal. I believe there is a widespread consensus that it should be easier to remove people who are here illegally, and I urge my constituents to let me know their views. I will be sure to keep them in mind throughout the Committee proceedings.”