Recently
I have been contacted by a number of constituents who have concerns about the
UK’s endorsement of the Global Compact for Safe, Orderly and Regular
Migration.
Some
of their concerns about the Compact include its potential to open up our
borders to further uncontrolled mass immigration, and the impact this would
have on public services, wages and housing.
I
fully understand the concerns and sentiments expressed. Uncontrolled
immigration, largely as a result of the free movement of people between EU
countries, have not worked well for Cornwall and the UK. The mass movement of
people without any checks or controls erodes public confidence, damages
economies, and places those on the move in greater vulnerability.
It
is absolutely right that as we leave the EU we do take back control of our
borders. We should be able to manage migration in a way that suits our own
economic and social needs and concerns whilst having a compassionate approach
to those fleeing war, persecution and oppression.
We
should also be able to better ensure we have the infrastructure and services to
meet any increase in population and protect those communities who have in the
past felt overwhelmed by migration.
The
Global Compact for Migration is a voluntary, non-binding document that
introduces no additional obligations to states. It is a global agreement
setting out a common framework, shared principles and best practices on
international migration.
My
constituents may find it assuring to know that the Compact is an aspirational
document setting out steps that states can take to tackle uncontrolled
migration in a more co-ordinated manner.
The
agreement explicitly reaffirms the right of member states to determine their
national migration policy. Unlike EU laws on freedom of movement, there are no
formal requirements for states to sign on to the Compact because it’s not an
international treaty.
It
will not affect our ability to determine and implement our own migration
policies, including in areas such as asylum, border controls and returns of
illegal migrants.
It
also does not establish a ‘human right to migrate’ or create any new legal
categories of migrant as some have suggested, but does states that migrants are
entitled to the same universal human rights as any human being, which is an
important safeguard for many of the refugees and asylum seekers fleeing from
war and destruction.
A
key objective of the document is to support cooperation on reducing
uncontrolled migration – an important task for the government and a point that
I can my constituents and I can agree on. It sets out the responsibility of
countries of origin to ensure effective control of their borders, and to
cooperate in accepting the return of their nationals when they no longer have
the right to remain in another country.
Furthermore,
it also calls on countries of origin to work with the international community to
address the drivers of irregular migration, by creating economic opportunities
for populations in source countries, and improving governance and respect for
the rule of law.
Building
an independent, controlled and fair immigration system is something I am very
keen to speak up for as we leave the EU. Some of my constituents are rightly
sceptical of international organisations imposing their will on us and our
law-making ability. However, the Compact is not legally binding in any way and
therefore meets my commitment to return sovereignty to the UK, while allowing
us as an independent nation to work with others to make sure immigration is
controlled and fair while being humane and giving people the dignity they
deserve.
As
the government looks to publish the immigration white paper and bill in the
next few months, I will continue to make sure that immigration works for
everyone, and will not be afraid to speak up for the interests of the Cornwall
and the UK in future debates.
