Hywel Williams, MP for Arfon, has signed a pledge calling on fellow MPs to cease the practice of informing on constituents immigration status, which he believes discourages vulnerable people from seeking help.
An immigration enforcement hotline was called 68 times by MPs or their staff last year, it has been revealed.
Charities have now written to House of Commons Speaker John Bercow asking MPs to pledge not to inform on constituents, arguing people should not have to fear being reported on by their MPs, 107 MPs have now signed the pledge.
The letter, asks Mr Bercow to raise the issue in the House of Commons “at the earliest opportunity and request that party whips instruct their MPs to immediately cease the practice”.
“MPs have a responsibility to advocate for all their constituents, regardless of immigration status,” the letter reads.
“Many migrants are now fearful of contacting their MP, effectively excluding them from democratic representation.”
Mr Williams highlighted the case of Bangor University student Shiromini Satkunarajah, after helping to stop her immediate deportation to Sri Lanka last year. Mr Williams said:”The bond of trust between an MP & their constituents must be upheld. I’ve signed a pledge calling on fellow MPs to cease practice of informing on constituents.
“I don’t think that MPs should be reporting cases to the authorities, this would break the trust between MPs and their constituents. It would also discourage other vulnerable people from seeking help.”
