Illegal Migration Bill: Government sees off final Lords challenge

The government has seen off a final challenge to the Illegal Migration Bill, which is now set to become law. The bill, which was introduced by the Home Office, aims to crack down on illegal immigration and make it more difficult for people to enter the UK illegally.

The bill has been controversial, with critics arguing that it is too harsh and will criminalize people who are simply seeking asylum. However, the government has defended the bill, arguing that it is necessary to protect the UK's borders.

The bill was passed by the House of Commons in March, but it faced a number of challenges in the House of Lords. However, the government was able to defeat all of the amendments that were proposed by the Lords, and the bill is now set to become law.

The bill includes a number of measures that are designed to deter illegal immigration. These measures include:

* Increasing the maximum sentence for illegal entry to the UK from six months to four years.

* Making it a criminal offense to facilitate illegal immigration.

* Creating a new offense of "illegal preparatory conduct", which would make it a crime to take steps to come to the UK illegally.

* Reducing the amount of time that people can claim asylum in the UK from five years to three years.

The bill has been welcomed by some groups, such as the Immigration Enforcement Union, which represents immigration enforcement officers. However, it has been criticized by other groups, such as the Refugee Council, which argues that it will make it more difficult for people to seek asylum in the UK.

The bill is now set to become law, and it is likely to have a significant impact on the way that illegal immigration is tackled in the UK.

**Quotes from stakeholders:**

* "We welcome the government's decision to see off the final challenge to the Illegal Migration Bill. This bill is essential to protect our borders and to deter illegal immigration." - Home Office spokesperson

* "We are deeply disappointed that the government has chosen to pursue this cruel and inhumane bill. This bill will make it harder for people to seek asylum in the UK, and it will put lives at risk." - Enver Solomon, CEO of the Refugee Council

**Call to action:**

* **Supporters of the bill:** Contact your MP and let them know that you support the Illegal Migration Bill.

* **Opponents of the bill:** Contact your MP and let them know that you oppose the Illegal Migration Bill.

* **Everyone:** Stay informed about the Illegal Migration Bill and its impact on people seeking asylum in the UK.