Ministers scrap plan to backdate Illegal Migration Bill’s new rules

Thousands of migrants who arrived in the UK recently will avoid tough new detention and deportation rules, following a U-turn by ministers. Putting forward the Illegal Migration Bill in March, the Government wanted powers – allowing migrants to be held for at least 28 days – to apply retroactively. But last night, ministers confirmed they will only affect migrants who reach the UK after the Bill achieves Royal Assent. The concession is among a series of amendments tabled by the Government last night to stop Tory rebels thwarting boat-stopping plans. They ‘will help [the law] pass through Parliament swiftly’, Home Secretary Suella Braverman said.