Sidmouth’s MP backs ‘stop the boats’ bill

Conservative MP for East Devon Simon Jupp has backed government plans to halt asylum seekers crossing the Channel in small boats.

Announced only recently, the Illegal Migration Bill has already proved controversial.

Football pundit Gary Lineker condemned what he views as language "not dissimilar to that used in Germany in the 1930s", and there have also been protests across the country.

But Home Secretary Suella Braverman told Parliament on 13 March the asylum system has become "overwhelmed" and that "people are dying, and we need to stop it".

'People who come to the UK illegally won't be able to remain'

Simon Jupp MP, whose constituency includes Sidmouth, told Nub News: "The government is determined to break up the business model of criminal gangs who exploit people and put their lives at risk in the Channel.

"Under the new Illegal Migration Bill, people who come to the UK illegally won't be able to remain and will be swiftly detained and removed.

"We must put an end to placing people in hotels across the country as it is costing taxpayers millions.

"In recent years, we have proudly welcomed many thousands of people who have fled from war-torn countries including Ukraine, Afghanistan and Syria.

"We will continue to do the right thing, which includes the Prime Minister's plan to stop the boats."

The bill is currently making its way through the House of Commons. As a parliamentary private secretary, Mr Jupp is expected to vote with the government.