Bar of NI hosts expert panel on the Illegal Migration Bill

The Rule of Law Committee of the Bar of NI held it’s inaugural Advancing the Rule of Law event yesterday, coinciding with World Refugee (20 June), and taking the form of an expert panel discussion on the Illegal Migration Bill.

The Bill is being scrutinised by the House of Lords at present and was described by PM Rishi Sunak as the way by which the UK, “will break the business model of the people smugglers”, and, “how we will take back control of our borders.”

A number of organisations and civic society groups have previously expressed legal, moral humanitarian and practical concerns around the Bill.

The expert panel convened in Belfast yesterday (Tues. 20 June) was comprised of Claire Hanna MP, Ronan Lavery KC, Immigration Solicitor Sinead Marmion, Helena Wilson BL, NI Human Rights Commission Chief Commissioner Alyson Kilpatrick, and Peter Lavery of the Law Centre NI.

The panel was ably chaired by Bernard Brady KC and the event was opened with general reflections on the Rule of Law from the Lady Chief Justice, Dame Siobhan Keegan.

The panel was unanimous in identifying Rule of Law concerns with the Bill; specifically in the context of the removal of judicial oversight, compatibility with ECHR obligations and an erosion of access to justice.

Chair of the Rule of Law Committee, Bernard Brady KC picked up on these points:

“This panel event afforded an opportunity to provide reasoned reflection, debate and evaluation of the provisions of the Illegal Migration Bill.

“The contribution of the panelists was insightful, diligently prepared and unanimous in the view that Bill gives rise to significant Rule of Law and humanitarian concerns.

“The discussion serves as a reminder of the importance of the Rule of Law and the fundamental principle that the law must apply equally to all and that public officials must not exceed their powers.

“I would like to thank our panelists for lending their time and expertise in contributing to the inaugural Advancing the Rule of Law event, focusing on an important, relevant and timely issue.”

ENDS

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