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Lords: Archbishop brands migration bill 'isolationist'

Justin Welby said it was "morally unacceptable and politically impractical" to let poorer countries deal with migration alone, while international aid to them was cut.

The Archbishop of Canterbury criticised the Illegal Migration Bill as it was scrutinised by peers.

But it was backed by former Tory leader and ex-Home Secretary Lords Howard who said the government must protect its borders, and the bill offered the "best achievable means" to do that.

Migration bill risks damage to UK's reputation, says Archbishop of Canterbury

10 May 2023

Refugees and asylum seekers

Archbishop of Canterbury

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Angela Rayner at the dispatch box in the Commons at PMQs

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Rishi Sunak wearing a blue suit and a grey tie, standing in the Commons

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Rachel Reeves

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Sir Keir Starmer at PMQs

Starmer thanks Sunak for hard work, commitment and decency

Rachel Reeves

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Moment man who stabbed asylum seeker is arrested

Hereford & Worcester

Baron Mackinlay of Richborough in formal robes shaking hands in the House of Lords.

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Boris Johnson wearing a suit and headphones speaking into a mic in a BBC radio studio

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Hand choosing a ball as part of the private member's bill ballot 2024

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A group of migrants, a number of whom are wearing life jackets, can be seen crowded into the boat.

Crowded boat attempts Channel journey a day after fatalities

Keir Starmer in Commons

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Keir Starmer an PMQs

PMQs heats up as leaders clash over winter fuel payments

A riotous crowd gathered around a police van, with several members of the group pushing up against the van making it wobble, taken from inside the Rotherham Holiday Inn Express on 4 August

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South Yorkshire

Jeremy Hunt

Reeves 'trying to hoodwink' voters over tax and spending - Jeremy Hunt

Rachel Reeves

Previous government made 'unfunded' spending promises - Reeves

Tom Tugendhat

Tom Tugendhat vows to 'rebuild' the Conservative Party

Steve Witherden MP

New MP speaks about mother's death days after election

Prime Minister Keir Starmer

Keir Starmer's first PMQs as prime minister... in 90 seconds

Lindsay Hoyle dragged by both arms

Watch: Moment Speaker dragged to Commons chair

In a traditional part of the process, the successful candidate pretends to be reluctant to take up the role.

Correspondent Ben Chu

Quick take on Labour's energy plan

BBC Verify's Ben Chu on what to make of Labour’s plans to decarbonise UK electricity production.

Chris Mason and Mark Logan

Watch: Former Tory MP says he is backing Labour

The former Conservative MP for Bolton North East has told the BBC he now supports Labour.

Factory workers in Milton Keynes

Watch: Party leaders on the campaign trail

Political party leaders have been out and about campaigning ahead of the general election.

Keir Starmer

I want the highest quality candidates - Starmer

The Labour leader says he wants the "highest quality" candidates to put to the voters.

Carla Denyer

Greens launch campaign target of 'at least four' MPs

The Green Party of England and Wales launch their election campaign in Bristol.

Faiza Shaheen talking on BBC Newsnight

Labour candidate says she's been blocked from standing

Faiza Shaheen says she's was told she will not be Labour's candidate after allegedly liking antisemitic posts on X.

Rishi Sunak

Rishi Sunak tells Chris Mason: Yes, I am changing minds

The PM tells the BBC's political editor he is "thoroughly enjoying" himself out meeting voters in the election campaign.

Sir Keir Starmer wearing a suit and a brown tie

Not true Abbott barred from standing - Starmer

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Keir Starmer

Starmer pleased Rayner has been 'vindicated'

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Ed Davey falls from a paddle board

Going, going, gone: Ed Davey takes a dip in Windermere

The Liberal Democrats leader was paddle boarding on Lake Windermere in the Lake District.

Rishi Sunak

Watch: PM criticises Sir Keir Starmer's campaign speeches

The prime minister accused Labour's Sir Keir Starmer of "not having the courage" to tell voters about Labour ideas.

Nigel Farage

Labour and Tories are both 'social democrats', says Farage

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Sir Keir Starmer

Starmer asked if there's a 'lack of enthusiasm' for Labour

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Rachel Reeves

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The shadow chancellor is quizzed on her economic plans should Labour win the general election.

Rishi Sunak

Sunak 'disappointed' smoking ban bill did not get through

The PM says he "stepped up to do something that is bold" over his bid to phase out smoking.

Craig Mackinlay MP

Watch: Limb loss MP on his return to Parliament

Craig Mackinlay says he was met by "a storm" of noise when he returned to the House of Commons

Rishi Sunak

Oops! Sunak asks if Welsh are looking forward to Euros

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Richard Tice

Tories 'terrified' of Reform Party - Richard Tice

The Reform Party leader says Rishi Sunak "bottled it" over calling a surprise general election for July.

Sir Keir Starmer

A vote for Labour is a vote to stop the chaos - Starmer

On the first full day of election campaigning the Labour leader says "nothing will change" if the Conservatives get back into power on July 5.