Overview

The United Kingdom Borders (Control and Sovereignty) Bill aims to reassert Parliament's control over UK borders, particularly concerning the entry and exit of non-UK citizens. It seeks to repeal aspects of previous legislation that might be seen as limiting the UK's ability to manage its borders independently.

Description

This bill primarily focuses on reclaiming the UK's sovereignty over its borders. Key aspects include:

• Reaffirming Parliamentary Sovereignty: The bill explicitly states Parliament's right to decide who can enter and leave the UK.
• Repealing Section 7 of the Immigration Act 1988: This section, presumably related to EU immigration rules, is repealed to remove any perceived constraints on UK border control.
• Regulation of Entry: The bill asserts the UK's exclusive right to control entry for non-UK citizens, overriding any conflicting EU laws or directives.
• Temporary Residence Certificates: Non-UK citizens residing without proper documentation must apply for a certificate of temporary residence. The Secretary of State will determine application procedures and criteria.
• Offences and Penalties: Being in the UK illegally after a specified date (31st December 2020 in the original version, this would need updating) or entering illegally constitutes an offense, punishable by imprisonment (up to six months), fines (up to £5,000), or both. Deportation is mandatory unless deemed against the public interest by the Secretary of State.

Government Spending

The bill doesn't explicitly state a direct cost to the government. However, there will be costs associated with administering the new temporary residence certificate scheme, enforcing the new offenses, and potential legal challenges. The exact financial implications are not specified in the provided text.

Groups Affected

• Non-UK citizens residing in the UK: Those without proper documentation will be directly impacted, needing to apply for temporary residence certificates and facing potential penalties for non-compliance.
• Non-UK citizens seeking entry to the UK: The bill gives the UK government more power to control entry, potentially making it more difficult for some to enter.
• Government agencies: The Home Office and other relevant agencies will have increased responsibilities in administering the new system and enforcing the new laws.
• Courts: The courts will be involved in adjudicating cases related to offenses under the bill.

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