MSF reaction: Inhumane Nationality and Borders Bill passes in House of Commons

“I am appalled that the Nationality and Borders Bill has passed in the House of Commons this afternoon. A chorus of healthcare providers and refugee organisations have sounded the alarm on the disastrous impact of these policies; not least our own medical teams who have warned of the suffering and death caused by pushbacks, offshore processing, and detention. It is beyond disappointing to watch the government steamroll ahead, regardless.

“What is needed is a fair, humane asylum system for people to claim protection. Priti Patel heralds this bill as a firm and fair system, but in reality, without provision for safe and legal routes, it will push vulnerable people to take even greater risks in their efforts to reach the UK, often as they seek to be reunified with family.

“Parliament must think again on these extraordinarily harmful proposals while there is still time.”