Clause 2
UK Borders Bill
5:15 pm
John Hemming (Birmingham, Yardley, Liberal Democrat)
Where the Minister is perhaps getting a little confused is in the realities of the situation. If somebody was trying to escape from a corner of this room and I, as a citizen acting in good will, shut the door to prevent them from leaving, that would be wrongful imprisonment unless I was empowered by law. The amendment would give people the ability to assist designated immigration officers in such circumstances. Without those powers, they are prevented by law from offering assistance. What we are arguing is not the same as saying that it is their job to chase people; it is saying, “Well, if you happen to be standing there and the circumstances permit you, you can assist in the pursuit.” We are not saying, “Now it’s everybody’s job to do it”, but seeking to give people a power in law to act to assist the designated immigration officer.