Archbishop of Canterbury criticizes UK government’s migration plans in rare House of Lords intervention

The Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby, has criticised the UK government’s migration plans, warning that they risk “great damage” to the country’s reputation.

In a speech to the House of Lords, Welby attacked the Illegal Migration Bill, describing international protections for refugees as “not inconvenient obstructions to get round by any legislative means necessary.”

The archbishop is among peers from several parties opposed to the proposed legislation, which includes provisions to detain and remove asylum seekers arriving in small boats across the English Channel.

Some could be sent to Rwanda.

Welby argued that the bill would not stop small boats and could damage international cooperation.

Instead, he called for reform to create long-term solutions to migration and for action against people traffickers.

Immigration minister Robert Jenrick disputed the archbishop’s claims, arguing that the bill would end the trade in people smuggling.

Lord Dobbs, a Conservative peer and former adviser to the Thatcher government, also criticised Welby’s stance, stressing the need to halt people smuggling.

The House of Lords debated the bill at second reading after it passed the Commons.

Almost 90 speakers, including Welby, were listed to speak.

The Lords is due to consider a series of amendments, including proposals to create more safe routes for asylum seekers to enter the UK.

One Liberal Democrat peer, Lord Paddick, is expected to propose a “fatal motion” which would kill off the bill, but this is unlikely to be approved.

Over 6,000 migrants have crossed the Channel to the UK so far in 2023, with the Home Office facing criticism over delays in asylum applications.

The government intends to use disused military camps and a barge to accommodate asylum seekers.

The plan has been criticised as potentially breaking international law and endangering protections against modern slavery.