Ministers scrap plan to backdate Illegal Migration Bills new rules

Thousands of migrants who arrived in the UK recently will avoid tough new detention and deportation rules, following a U-turn by ministers.

Putting forward the Illegal Migration Bill in March, the Government wanted powers – allowing migrants to be held for at least 28 days – to apply retroactively.

But last night, ministers confirmed they will only affect migrants who reach the UK after the Bill achieves Royal Assent. The concession is among a series of amendments tabled by the Government last night to stop Tory rebels thwarting boat-stopping plans.

They “will help [the law] pass through Parliament swiftly”, Home Secretary Suella Braverman said.

READ MORE: Peer mocked for complaining he’s ‘so tired’ after late debates on migrant bill

Immigration judges will also be able to grant bail to unaccompanied minors after eight days, shorter than the proposed 28.

Officials insisted excluding “certain cohorts” from the Bill “could incentivise some to attempt crossings and make people-smugglers target specific groups, ultimately putting them at greater risk”.

Today MPs will vote on Lords amendments – after peers defeated the Government 20 times to rewrite the Bill.

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