MP Bob Seely Pushes for MPs to Take Responsibility for Immigration Numbers

A Tory MP is pushing for a plan that would allow Parliament to vote on capping the number of immigrants coming to the UK. Bob Seely believes that the only way to address the issue of soaring immigration figures is to make MPs directly responsible for controlling the numbers. Under his plan, MPs would have an annual vote on the number of legal migrants and refugees allowed into the country.

MPs Would Have the Power to Amend and Vote on Annual Figures

According to Seely's proposal, ministers would be required to present an annual figure to Parliament, and MPs would have the ability to amend and vote on that number. Seely argues that the current immigration numbers are unsustainable and that there needs to be a solution for housing, schools, and the pressure on essential services like GPs.

Refugee Numbers and Asylum System

Under Seely's plan, refugee numbers would be fixed and all refugees would have to come from UN programs. No refugees would be allowed to arrive directly on UK shores or via organized crime. Seely believes that this approach would also allow for the shutting down of much of the current asylum system, which he deems unfit for purpose. He questions why almost 50% of adult Albanians were granted asylum when they came from a safe country.

Future Plans

Bob Seely, the MP for the Isle of Wight, intends to bring his private members bill before Parliament in the coming months. If it does not become law next year, he suggests that it should be a key component of a future popular Conservative manifesto for the next election. This proposal comes as Immigration Minister Robert Jenrick works on plans to address the unsustainable levels of immigration. Official figures indicate that last year's net migration figure was higher than previously estimated, reaching a record 745,000 people.