REFUGEE rights campaigners called on MPs to “stand on the right side of history” ahead of this evening’s Commons vote on the Tories’ sweeping asylum reforms.

MPs are preparing to vote on the latest amendments to the Illegal Migration Bill this evening.

A majority of 303 rejected amendment one, which would have added a requirement to the Bill that several key international obligations must be adhered to, and also voted against amendment six to safeguard victims of modern slavery.

More than 60 people — who include victims of torture, refugees, asylum-seekers and those already granted asylum in Britain — as well as around 30 campaign groups wrote to MPs to express their “horror” at the Bill and urge them to oppose the proposed legislation.

The letter said: “It’s time for this government to once and for all scrap their inhumane approach to refugees and rebuild the asylum system on foundations of compassion and human dignity.

“Finding safety in the UK is an incredible opportunity to rebuild your life. We urge you to not take away this lifeline from the refugees that follow in our footsteps.

“It is now time for you to stand on the right side of history and oppose this shameful piece of legislation when it returns to the House of Commons.”

MPs are expected to start casting votes from 5pm on changes backed by the House of Lords after the draft legislation was mauled in the upper chamber, suffering 20 defeats as peers demanded a raft of revisions.

The letter’s signatories, which include charities Freedom from Torture, Care4Calais and Refugee Action, alongside individuals, said: “These cruel plans won’t stop people taking dangerous journeys to find safety in the UK.

“Instead, this Bill closes the door on refugees, punishing people who had little other choice but to risk their life reaching the UK.

“It’s like being in a burning house and finding an escape window. Nothing can deter a human being when they are fleeing for their life.”

Ahead of the vote, immigration minister Robert Jenrick faced questions from Tory and opposition MPs about the proposed policies.

Islington North MP Jeremy Corbyn called on the House to look at the Bill from a humanitarian point of view and “accept that we have a responsibility” to people seeking safety, adding that “our country is enriched” by migrants’ contributions.

Labour MP John McDonnell raised concerns about unaccompanied children, saying: “The most vulnerable who need our support the most — children — will suffer the most under this Bill.”