As the MP for Hodge Hill I do not believe that an amnesty of failed asylum seekers is in the best interests of my constituents nor citizens in the rest of the city – for one simple reason; it simply isn’t fair.

We have a proud tradition in this country of providing protection of those fleeing persecution. We should preserve this. But up to 70% of asylum claims are proved – typically by judges – to be without foundation.

I think these people shouldn’t be allowed to work. We work hard to help people go home voluntarily. But where that hand of support is pushed away, I think we need to detain and deport people. Last year – my first as immigration minister – we deported more than ever before.

There is a matter of principle here; why should people who have broken our laws get a place in the queue for jobs ahead of those people who play by the rules. I don’t think that’s fair – and I don’t think it will work. In fact it will make illegal immigration tougher to stop.

The evidence from other countries operating amnesty schemes is that it doesn’t remove the problem – countries like Spain and Italy have had to have further amnesties in a few years time.

We should not underestimate the damage done by illegal working. This is not a victimless crime – it is furthered by unscrupulous employers, who are often found to be breaking health and safety and minimum wage regulations, and by people traffickers exploiting the vulnerable.

So, amnesties don’t work and frankly they are not fair for the law-abiding, hardworking citizens of Birmingham.