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Question
Today’s extraordinary figures, including doubling work visas since the pandemic, show that the Conservatives have no plan or grip on immigration. Work visas are up 119%. The Conservatives have failed to tackle skills shortages and get people back to work. Net migration is more than twice aimed levels, asylum backlog at a record high, small boat arrivals less than 1% decided. Where is the Home Secretary?
Minister reply
The Labour party feigns interest in cutting net migration but has voted against every measure to control it, including ending free movement and tackling illegal migration.
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Question
Beyond the admission order office's memorial plaque for Kindertransport, should we remember that tens of millions around the world suffer from violence or poor governance? Shouldn't we work towards better governance and economic systems to help them stay where they are?
Minister reply
I agree. We have provided sanctuary in the UK for Hong Kong BNOs and Ukrainians, but this does not mean going slow on further measures to reduce net migration due to its significant burdens on communities.
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Question
Recognises the contributions of immigrants to UK society, acknowledges previous welcoming policies for Ukrainians and Hong Kong BNOs. Asks about unique challenges faced by different parts of the UK in immigration policy, particularly regarding remote areas pilot scheme.
Minister reply
Acknowledges need for pragmatic approach to sectors facing skills shortages; does not believe in separate immigration systems for UK nations based on evidence showing no material difference in unemployment or economic inactivity. Mentions addition of fishing occupations to shortage occupation list.
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Question
Critiques points-based system allowing people earning £26,000 a year into the country while median UK salary is £33,000. Suggests requiring all newcomers to earn median UK salary.
Minister reply
Believes in controlled migration system; net migration impacts on communities, public services and housing supply, wage pressure, workforce training. Created points-based system with salary threshold post-Brexit; may make further changes.
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Question
Concerned about plans to house 300 asylum seekers in Stradey Park hotel in her constituency. Asks for meeting on local concerns and preventing need to use hotels by clearing Home Office backlog of undetermined claims.
Minister reply
Encourages support for Illegal Migration Bill; suggests constituents' views influence MP's stance, implying need for stricter immigration control.
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Question
Asks about impact of announced measures on student dependants.
Minister reply
Estimates measures will reduce number of student dependants; universities should focus on teaching, not immigration business. Aims to bring down net migration through these measures.
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Question
Points out potential wage inflation from strict immigration policies; highlights sector demands for skilled staff, criticises refusal to lower English language skills required.
Minister reply
Argues that investing in workforce and technology increases productivity sustainably. Maintains low standard of English for health and safety reasons.
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Question
Expresses concern over continued growth in illegal migration despite flatlining net migration figures; asks for breakdown of changes over period.
Minister reply
Notes ONS methodological change, sees no evidence of increase since mid-2023. Expect reduction in humanitarian scheme arrivals from Hong Kong and Ukraine; measures on student dependants expected to impact numbers.
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Question
Critiques Government's loss of control over immigration, votes against Nationality and Borders Act 2022 and Illegal Migration Bill. Questions low percentage of asylum claims determination for small boat arrivals.
Minister reply
Claims Labour opposes every measure to control migration; expects legacy backlog cleared by year-end as promised. Argues faster processing does not reduce inflow.
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Question
The MP's constituents are frustrated with both illegal and legal migration figures, which have led to an unsustainable increase in population. The Member asks for short-term plans beyond recently announced measures.
Minister reply
The Minister acknowledges the high levels of net migration strain on public services and housing but emphasises that they will take further necessary steps if needed. He mentions a package of measures including changes to student dependants rules and increased enforcement.
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Question
The MP questions the government's assessment for net migration figures in the year ahead.
Minister reply
The Minister states that numbers are expected to reduce with recently announced measures. He offers willingness to do more if necessary, while expressing hope for Labour support.
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Question
The MP asks about the possibility of returning everyone crossing illegally by small boats to France.
Minister reply
The Minister discusses efforts with French Government and future potential readmissions agreement. He notes that previous agreements were unsuccessful, but acknowledges willingness to explore solutions.
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Question
The MP questions the fear-mongering narrative around net migration, highlighting its benefits to society, and calls for immigration devolution to Scotland.
Minister reply
The Minister disagrees with devolving immigration. He mentions finite resources and advises tackling issues affecting choice of destination within the UK.
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Question
The MP stresses the need to address unsustainable migration levels impacting housing in the south-east, urging crackdown on people smugglers.
Minister reply
The Minister agrees with the importance of addressing high net migration. He highlights pressure on housing and criticises SNP's lack of action.
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Question
The MP questions the Home Office’s inability to process asylum applications, leading people to live in hotels, and asks about Government’s plan for these individuals.
Minister reply
The Minister denies suggesting faster processing will result in more migrants. He explains plans including new sites and the Illegal Migration Bill.
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Question
The MP supports reducing migration figures, criticises Labour’s position on migration control measures.
Minister reply
The Minister agrees with the criticism of Labour's stance on tightening migration controls, highlighting their opposition to proposed legislation.
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Question
The MP asks about reducing the asylum application backlog and the basis for the Minister’s assessment.
Minister reply
The Minister confirms plans to reduce the backlog but emphasises that faster processing can act as a pull factor, encouraging further migration.
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Question
The MP inquires about the impact of recent changes on international students and education market.
Minister reply
The Minister states that UK has met targets for attracting international students and emphasises need to prevent backdoor immigration routes, while welcoming positive reception of measures.
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Question
The Minister's opening statement promised to bring net migration down, but recent figures show it has surpassed previous promises. What went wrong?
Minister reply
Leaving the EU gave us new freedoms to control our immigration system, contrary to the advice of Mr Dhesi who voted against every opportunity to tackle legal or illegal migration.
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Question
What is the status of missing unaccompanied migrant children in UK hotels? What measures are being taken to address this issue?
Minister reply
The Minister has reviewed the situation and met with social workers and support staff at care facilities. Missing persons processes are followed similarly for both migrants and local citizens.
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Question
Is the Government satisfied with doubling of work visas since the pandemic?
Minister reply
The goal is to help British workers fill vacancies through training, rather than relying solely on foreign labour, due to existing large numbers of economically inactive individuals.
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Question
Are the Government's immigration plans and tone in line with Scotland’s needs?
Minister reply
The argument is not supported by evidence; no material difference exists between Scottish unemployment rates and those of the UK. The Migration Advisory Committee has raised questions about policies to attract migrants and workers.
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Question
Will the Illegal Migration Bill worsen the asylum backlog?
Minister reply
The bill will process claims in days or weeks, returning individuals to a safe country. It is designed to deter people smugglers and reduce illegal entry.
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Question
What are the Government’s plans for legal migration levels?
Minister reply
The current work-related visa numbers are substantial, around 235,000 last year. The Minister believes these numbers should not increase significantly.
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Question
What level of migration does the Minister consider right for the country?
Minister reply
The Government has a commitment to see net migration numbers fall sustainably, and they will take further steps if needed.
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Question
Is the Minister’s policy on asylum backlog focused on reducing it or deterring new claims?
Minister reply
The aim is to reduce the backlog, but Labour's faster processing approach would not work.
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Question
What changes can be made to help rural areas with seasonal workers in agriculture?
Minister reply
The Minister is willing to discuss the issue, but sceptical of visa schemes specific to certain UK regions or seasons. The current scheme operates at an appropriate level.
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Question
What changes can be made to allow in vulnerable individuals and families seeking asylum?
Minister reply
The Minister will look into specific cases. The UK is welcoming through humanitarian visa routes, which should be celebrated.