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Question
Some 25,700 people have risked their lives in dangerous shipping lanes this year. The Government has spent over £200 million on deals with French authorities that are not working. Will the Government commit to transparency regarding how funds are allocated? Who is actually leading immigration policy?
Minister reply
This government effort involves multiple departments, including the Cabinet Office, making it a whole-of-government approach rather than solely under Home Secretary control. The shadow's criticisms overlook the global nature of migration crises and the work being done with European Interior Ministers. Labour’s opposition to key reforms in the Nationality and Borders Bill undermines efforts to combat illegal immigration effectively.
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Question
What is the message for someone contemplating an illegal journey by small boat? Why should they not undertake this risky endeavour?
Minister reply
The Government's new legislation aims to deter such journeys through stricter laws and enhanced enforcement against people smugglers. Recent actions include ongoing investigations, arrests, and convictions of individuals involved in human trafficking operations.
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Question
The MP criticised the Government's approach, arguing for evidence-based policy over sensationalist rhetoric and barbaric bills. He called for cooperation with neighbours to tackle smugglers and a two-way transfer agreement for families, noting that offshoring would cost a fortune and destroy lives.
Minister reply
The Minister stated that the Nationality and Borders Bill will make life harder for criminal gangs behind these crossings, noting that people smugglers could face up to life in prison. She also highlighted measures such as strengthening Border Force’s powers to stop and redirect vessels and search shipping containers.
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Question
The MP emphasised the importance of working with partners, allies, and friends to address illegal crossings. She called for this item to be prioritised at the next United Nations General Assembly.
Minister reply
The Minister thanked her right hon. Friend for making an intelligent contribution about people smuggling and working with counterparts in the world. She noted that Opposition Members reject relationship-building and speaking on a multilateral level.
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Question
The MP asked for confirmation about intelligence and joint surveillance work, noting that drones are not currently operating due to French court cases. She questioned why UK drones in UK airspace operate only five days a week.
Minister reply
The Minister confirmed ongoing discussions with France regarding legislation impacting drone operations along the coast. She stated that she has proposed various types of technology equipment and surveillance methods, which have been accepted by the French Interior Minister.
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Question
The MP suggested a returns policy with France to make cross-channel migration unviable for criminal gangs. He proposed offering immigrants a hot cup of tea and ensuring they had warm clothing before returning them.
Minister reply
The Minister agreed that returns agreements are crucial but noted it is only one aspect of dealing with illegal migration, as people also come from other regions such as the Sahel and Africa.
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Question
The MP criticised the increasing anti-refugee rhetoric and questioned the hostile environment created by the Home Office, including the amendment to the Nationality and Borders Bill that would allow for stripping citizenship without warning.
Minister reply
The Minister offered to send a line with full facts about the amendment rather than responding to what she termed as rhetoric.
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Question
The MP called for reviewing international conventions that confer absolute rights on individuals who commit serious crimes and are not deported due to these rights.
Minister reply
The Minister stated that the Nationality and Borders Bill aims at removing people with no legal right to be in the UK, including foreign national offenders such as rapists and murderers.
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Question
The MP rejected the framing of this issue as a crisis of numbers and criticised Westminster Governments for scapegoating asylum seekers. She asked about compatibility with Wales' sanctuary approach.
Minister reply
The Minister stated that through safe and legal routes, they are clear on giving refuge to people fleeing persecution in line with the refugee convention. She noted a slight mischaracterisation of the Nationality and Borders Bill by the right hon. Lady.
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Question
The MP suggested offering international assistance to France, recommending sending British police, Border Force staff, and troops to assist in their efforts against people smugglers.
Minister reply
The Minister confirmed she has already done exactly that.
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Question
Does the Home Secretary still consider the use of wave machines in the channel to turn back small boats a viable plan? Does she still consider sending desperate asylum seekers to a third country, such as Albania, a viable plan?
Minister reply
The Home Secretary categorically rejects the notion and states that she has never suggested or recommended wave machines. She also clarifies that her party objects to changing the asylum system for those who have no legal grounds to be in the UK.
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Question
Is there a danger of raising expectations with the Nationality and Borders Bill unless there is an iron will on the part of Ministers to use the powers once they get them?
Minister reply
The Home Secretary assures that there is no lack of determination or will when it comes to delivering the Nationality and Borders Bill.
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Question
How are negotiations going on trying to replace the Dublin regulation?
Minister reply
The Home Secretary states that Dublin was not effective, and people were removed because they were inadmissible to the asylum system due to changes in statutory instruments.
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Question
What measures can be taken now to prevent illegal English channel migration crossings?
Minister reply
Screening, interviewing, and questioning of everyone who enters the UK illegally takes place. The Home Secretary also mentions that the Nationality and Borders Bill is passing through the Commons right now.
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Question
How can the Home Secretary know who genuinely fled persecution unless we go through due process?
Minister reply
The Home Secretary acknowledges that many EU countries, including France, are safe countries. She states that they are working with UNHCR and IOM to form safe and legal routes for asylum seekers.
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Question
What steps is the Home Secretary taking to negotiate with Belgium and Germany to disrupt the pattern of delivering migrants to France?
Minister reply
The Home Secretary mentions ongoing discussions with France, Belgium, and Germany. She also emphasises that it is the EU Commission leading on illegal migration.
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Question
What legal advice have the Government taken on pushbacks, and who would be legally accountable if a migrant dies during a pushback?
Minister reply
The Home Secretary states that all operational work with Border Force is based on Government legal advice. Specific training has taken place on operationalising tactics within the legal framework.
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Question
What is the best way to control illegal immigration, and will my right hon. Friend confirm that offshore processing is part of this plan?
Minister reply
The Home Secretary emphasises the need for wholescale reform as outlined in the Nationality and Borders Bill.
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Question
Asked the Home Secretary about negotiations taking place to replace the Dublin regulation and inquired about what would happen with individuals if they were moved to Albania or other third countries and failed the asylum system.
Minister reply
Apologised for not addressing negotiations specifically earlier, indicated active discussions are ongoing with multiple EU nations concerning illegal migration, returns, and readmissions. Emphasised looking at all options regarding resettlement of those without legal rights in the UK.
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Question
Questioned whether it is unacceptable for French authorities to turn a blind eye to small boats crossing and placed some vulnerable people at risk.
Minister reply
Acknowledged the issue of vulnerability raised by the MP, highlighted discussions with France regarding unprecedented numbers in northern France. Emphasised that root causes lie upstream where people are coming from and lack of border controls across EU member states.
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Question
Challenged the Home Secretary's claim about 70% of small boat arrivals being economic migrants, citing research by the Refugee Council.
Minister reply
Clarified that her statement referred to single men crossing and not all arrivals, reiterating their status as economic migrants.
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Question
Asked if the Government is addressing illegal immigration for the first time in decades with a Bill that protects genuine refugees.
Minister reply
Agreed that the Bill at heart aims to protect those in genuine need and not act as a magnet for economic migrants from safe places like France or Belgium.
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Question
Suggested expanding safe and legal routes into the UK is essential if we are to address the situation unfolding in the English channel.
Minister reply
Referred to earlier comments, emphasised working with international partners such as UNHCR and IOM on supporting those fleeing persecution.
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Question
Suggested scrapping the Human Rights Act is necessary if we are finally going to stop bogus asylum seekers routinely coming to the UK.
Minister reply
Agreed that delays and prevarication in courts and tribunals interfere with immigration policies, highlighted reforms proposed through the Nationality and Borders Bill.
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Question
Challenged the Home Secretary about Government's incompetence given only five people were removed in the past 12 months.
Minister reply
Referred to developing returns agreements with India, Albania and Pakistan; clarified that removals relate to statutory instruments regarding inadmissibility of sea claims.
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Question
Inquired about similarities between the Nationality and Borders Bill and Australia's Operation Sovereign Borders policy, asked if offshore centres would breach international law.
Minister reply
Asserted Parliament is sovereign and will work diligently to ensure that the Bill gets Royal Assent, allowing for delivery of solutions for the British people.
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Question
Noted figures have tripled to 25,000 crossings this year and projected a trajectory towards 78,000 next year; questioned the Home Secretary's engagement with French authorities.
Minister reply
Clarified that discussions were directly with the French Government and Interior Minister, highlighted discrepancy in reporting of '100% reduction' claim.
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Question
Asked if legislation must change to allow offshore processing and return, questioned Labour's stance on Bill's provisions.
Minister reply
Agreed with the need for changes in legislation; criticised Labour opposition to the Government's solutions.
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Question
The MP questions the Home Secretary's stance on human rights for asylum seekers and asks if she will allow them to settle in Britain once they obtain safe routes through national agencies.
Minister reply
The minister emphasises the use of safe and legal routes, referencing the Syrian resettlement regime as an example. She states that these pathways involve identifying individuals through multilateral systems and third-party agencies, ensuring proper resettlement in the UK while considering pressures on local authorities.
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Question
The MP welcomes steps being taken by the Home Secretary and asks if she will bring forward new specific powers to act with speed.
Minister reply
The minister confirms that the Nationality and Borders Bill is currently going through Parliament, and indicates a willingness to look at other legislative measures as required.
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Question
The MP asks if the Home Secretary agrees that the narrative on immigration needs to change and challenges statistics regarding UK support compared to Germany, Spain, Greece, and France.
Minister reply
The minister cites the new plan for immigration document, stating that the UK accepted more refugees through planned resettlement schemes than any other country in Europe from 2015-2019.
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Question
The MP questions if measures are being considered to reduce the number of people coming into the country and ensure a fair share across different regions.
Minister reply
The minister acknowledges the pressure on local authorities, particularly in Stoke-on-Trent, and emphasises the need for other local authorities to step up. She outlines plans to move people out of current accommodation and build reception centres with military support.
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Question
The MP suggests allowing asylum seekers to claim asylum at frontier controls in France as a way to deter channel crossings.
Minister reply
The minister states that the British Government or French Government would not entertain such proposals and highlights the wide-scale end-to-end reform in the new immigration plan.
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Question
The MP asks if the Home Secretary agrees that unlike Opposition Members who favour open borders, Government Members will sort out illegal immigration. He also questions the need for a UN investigation.
Minister reply
The minister responds by noting the lack of leadership on this issue from EU member states and mentions working with the National Crime Agency and other countries upstream to find long-term solutions.
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Question
The MP challenges the Home Secretary's stance on the UN refugee convention and questions the proportion of people crossing the channel due to existing family members here.
Minister reply
The minister asserts that 70% are economic migrants coming as single men.
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Question
The MP points out the irony in the Opposition bringing forward this urgent question despite voting against the Nationality and Borders Bill.
Minister reply
The minister criticises the Labour party for opposing measures that aim to curb illegal migration.
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Question
The MP questions if the Home Secretary will accept her Department’s own evidence cautioning about the effectiveness of some measures in the Nationality and Borders Bill.
Minister reply
The minister dismisses this characterization, emphasising that the plan includes measures like one-stop appeal processes, offshore claim processing, and support for individuals fleeing persecution.
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Question
The MP questions why Labour does not consider countries such as France, Belgium, and Germany to be mature democracies with functioning asylum systems.
Minister reply
The minister argues that people should claim asylum in the first safe country rather than take dangerous routes across the channel.
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Question
The MP asks if the Home Secretary will put the record straight regarding her statement on the percentage of genuine asylum seekers versus economic migrants.
Minister reply
The minister reiterates that 70% are single men and refers to comments made previously. She emphasises that the current system is broken and needs reform.
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Question
I commend my right hon. Friend on her recognition that the system, as it currently stands, does not reflect the humanitarian instinct of the British people. Regarding our ability to intervene against people smugglers in French territorial waters, what is her view of Frontex, the EU border and coastguard agency?
Minister reply
That is a great question, and Frontex in particular has an important role to play. The Commission is under pressure right now as it has been asked by many member states to provide broader protection. The lack of border protection is having an ongoing, knock-on impact on people smugglers and on porous borders.
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Question
The Home Secretary knows that the UK receives fewer asylum seekers—these are not people applying via the resettlement scheme—per head of population than the European average, yet after 11 years in power, she cannot process their applications in a timely manner. Will she stop blaming the French, the European Union, the Royal National Lifeboat Institution, the weather, the migrants themselves, and take some responsibility?
Minister reply
On the hon. Lady’s ultimate point, the Nationality and Borders Bill is an important piece of legislation to fix the broken asylum system. This is not just about the Conservative party being in power; when the Labour party was in power it did nothing to fix the asylum system.
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Question
In 2019 my constituents rejected Labour’s open door immigration policy. Since then we have been getting on with delivering our new Australian-style points-based immigration system in the teeth of opposition from the Labour party. Will the Home Secretary listen to my constituents in Consett, Crook and across North West Durham, rather than to the Labour party, and agree that we must now adopt an Australian approach to stopping the small boats in the channel?
Minister reply
My hon. Friend is absolutely right. He speaks with passion and conviction on this issue for a very good reason, which of course is that the British public are sick to death of this.
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Question
As it stands, the Nationality and Borders Bill will criminalise the work of the RNLI. I have tabled an amendment to prevent the RNLI from being prosecuted for its courageous humanitarian work. Will the Home Secretary meet RNLI staff and volunteers and adopt my amendment to protect these frontline life savers?
Minister reply
We have been very clear that we will table an amendment on Report on the specific point that the hon. Gentleman has made. The importance of the Bill is that it will not just bring about long-term reform but make life harder for the criminal gangs behind these crossings.
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Question
Let me start with a quote from Baroness Scotland in 2004. Does my right hon. Friend agree with that quote, and will she tell that lot over there to vote for the Nationality and Borders Bill?
Minister reply
My hon. Friend makes a very important point. No one can dispute the fact that those who are seeking to claim asylum should do so in the first safe country.
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Question
This country was far more successful in dealing with illegal immigration as a member of the European Union. In her answer to the right hon. Member for Leeds Central, the Home Secretary was not very clear about the successor agreement to the Dublin regulation, so will she clarify who would be responsible for negotiating any such agreement?
Minister reply
It is the EU Commission.
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Question
My right hon. Friend may recall that the Leader of the Opposition once infamously said that all immigration controls are racist. Does she agree with me that a Labour Government means open borders?
Minister reply
I thank my hon. Friend. First, I think Labour Members have made their position clear, not just on legal migration but on illegal migration, with their resistance to everything we have done on a points-based system, ending free movement and our plans now to reform a broken asylum system.
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Question
In response to the British Government’s policy, the Albanian Government have said that Albania will never be a hub of anti-immigration policies. Which other territories are the British Government considering for their immoral offshore migrant centres?
Minister reply
I am not going to provide any commentary at all in terms of other countries that we are negotiating with. It is for the Government to go away and do this work, which we are doing, and not to start speculating.
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Question
Crossing the English channel in an overcrowded flimsy boat has been described as the equivalent of a pedestrian trying to cross both carriageways of the M25 in rush hour. Surely it is not beyond the wit of man for us to have joint naval patrols with the French, so that if migrants are intercepted at sea they are landed not at Dover but back in France?
Minister reply
Without going into operational details, we discuss all options. We absolutely do discuss all options. Whether it is naval patrols or alternative patrols, we are constantly exploring and discussing options.
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Question
I thank the Secretary of State for her responses to very difficult questioning. Will she outline what discussions have taken place with her counterparts in France regarding the prevention of small boat crossings, which have trebled in the past year? Has she impressed on the French that their responsibility is not simply a diplomatic one but a moral responsibility and a safety issue?
Minister reply
Absolutely right. The answer is of course yes. Pressing the moral and humanitarian case, and breaking up the criminal networks, is exactly what this is all about.
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Question
In answers to questions, the Home Secretary has talked a number of times about age verification and people trying to cheat the system by coming in as if they are children. How would age verification work? How many other countries use it as a tool?
Minister reply
This is an important question. My hon. Friend raises important points around the age verification of illegal migrants who pose as children. That poses wider security and safeguarding concerns. The techniques we are proposing in the Nationality and Borders Bill are used in many EU member states.
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Question
A lot of the language used today in relation to those fleeing war and persecution is deeply troubling. There are about 80 million people around the world who are either refugees or internally displaced, and the UK is being asked to help only a small fraction. Will the Home Secretary recognise that under the 1951 refugee convention, people do not have to seek asylum in the first safe country they reach?
Minister reply
The Home Secretary disagrees with the hon. Gentleman’s overall tone but acknowledges that there are serious and important issues at stake regarding moral obligations, humanitarian commitments, standing by the refugee convention, international treaties, and working with multilateral agencies. The United Kingdom cannot accommodate everyone due to the 80 million people displaced or fleeing their own countries for various reasons. The government is working internationally on safe and legal routes and implementing long-term reforms.