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Question
The hon. Member has said that she wants to ensure that those who come here and commit crimes are removed without delay. Can we be assured that that will happen?
Minister reply
Yes, the hon. Lady can rest assured that I am determined to ensure that anyone who breaches our immigration rules or commits a crime should be removed from this country as soon as possible.
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Question
The Home Secretary has set out the plans for asylum seekers, but many people are still concerned about illegal migration. Will my right hon. Friend also look at ways of preventing illegal entry to this country? What can be done with the current asylum system?
Minister reply
My right hon. Friend is absolutely correct. We need a robust system that tackles both removals and illegal entry, including measures to address pull factors and ensure our borders are properly policed.
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Question
The announcement today includes the suggestion of reducing rights under Article 8. Will that be a way of removing people who have been here for many years and whose children were born in this country?
Minister reply
No, the Government are not seeking to remove anyone’s right to family life but rather ensuring it is properly balanced against the public interest when it comes to immigration decisions.
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Question
As someone who has served in this House for a decade, I find it extraordinary that those whose applications have been refused are still entitled to benefits from the public purse. What measures will be taken?
Minister reply
My hon. Friend is right to raise concerns about public finances being used improperly. The Government will introduce reforms to ensure that only those playing by the rules receive support, and those who abuse the system will face consequences.
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Question
Does the Home Secretary agree that anyone who arrives illegally should be deported? What are her views on leaving the ECHR and its impact on deportation efforts?
Minister reply
The reforms aim to restore order while remaining within legal constraints. While I understand the need for bold action, the international law framework must be respected.
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Question
We need an asylum and immigration system based on fairness and consistency. My constituency is a testament to the richness that people from all over the world bring, including those fleeing persecution. When this Government came into office last year, they were right to tackle the backlog of unprocessed asylum claims left by their predecessor. However, introducing more assessments of those who have been here for many years and making new judgments about country safety will take considerable resources. Is the Home Secretary confident that these changes will not make it harder to achieve her goal?
Minister reply
I assure my hon. Friend that there will be both the administrative system and the resources needed to underpin the asylum changes we are making. At the end of the five-year leave to remain period, an assessment about whether the country of origin remains safe is already meant to take place, but in practice, this has become almost automatic for permanent settlement. We are changing that pathway.
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Question
The Government should act more swiftly on the asylum system left in disarray by the Conservatives. Britain has a long history of responding compassionately to those fleeing horrors, and we welcome some of what the Home Secretary has said. However, it is not helpful for her to claim that immigration is tearing the country apart. We have concerns about the far-reaching detail behind the proposals which seems missing. The Government are revoking the legal duty to provide accommodation for asylum seekers, yet they ban them from working to support themselves and contribute to society. Is this policy fair? Can she guarantee that local councils will not bear the burden of housing asylum seekers?
Minister reply
I wish I could walk around the country without seeing the division caused by migration and asylum issues, but unfortunately, I regularly experience racism. The system is broken, and it is incumbent on all MPs to acknowledge this reality and work towards fixing it. We must address the real experiences of those affected outside Parliament.
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Question
Will the Home Secretary agree to publish targets for all areas outlined in her statement, particularly aiming at reducing undocumented and illegal entrants?
Minister reply
We will not set arbitrary targets or caps as it costs public confidence. Instead, we aim to pass necessary legislation, assess reforms, and continue debates about their success.
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Question
Has the Home Secretary given consideration to setting up a deferred payment scheme for asylum seekers?
Minister reply
We are exploring further contribution options but it is not part of today's announced package. We look forward to discussing this in detail with the Committee.
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Question
Does the Home Secretary agree that enforcing immigration rules, including on removals, is in the public interest? Will she provide more details about balancing public interest against individual rights?
Minister reply
We will bring forward legislation to define family relationships and set out how the public interest test should be used only in exceptional circumstances.
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Question
Does she fear that unless we arrest, detain and deport people quickly, this problem will just go on and on? Will she consider schemes such as Rwanda?
Minister reply
No to Rwanda. She disagrees with the assumption that quick arrests are necessary since claims are down in Europe but up here.
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Question
How quickly does she envisage safe and legal routes being implemented?
Minister reply
These routes will start modestly with low numbers, but they will grow as we get order and control into the system inherited.
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Question
Is there a danger that people needed to fill employment gaps in NHS and social care sectors will look at this country now and say, “No, I don’t want to go there”?
Minister reply
People who come through small boats constitute about 40% of all asylum claims. The government aims to stop abuse of the system for public confidence.
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Question
How will these reforms address manifest unfairness in the asylum system, rebuild public support for the system, and for immigration overall?
Minister reply
These reforms aim to rebuild public consent by dealing with problems that lead to a lack of confidence in the system.
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Question
What evidence does the Secretary of State have that taking personal belongings from refugees actually works as a deterrent? Should not the focus be on safe and legal routes instead?
Minister reply
The Home Secretary clarified that jewellery will not be seized at borders but high-value assets from those who can afford them may contribute to the cost of asylum support. The aim is to ensure that those with means contribute, while preserving protection for sentimental items like wedding rings.
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Question
Does the Home Secretary agree that anyone who arrives illegally should be detained and deported automatically?
Minister reply
The Home Secretary dismissed this approach, noting it was initiated by her party and reiterated their commitment to ending hotel accommodation use by exploring large military sites for asylum seekers. She urged reflection on past actions.
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Question
How will the Home Secretary work with local authorities like Cambridge city council on safe and legal routes?
Minister reply
The Home Secretary committed to collaborating with local partners, councils, philanthropists, and charitable organisations. She outlined three primary forms for these routes: community sponsorship, student pathways, and skilled worker channels.
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Question
What measures are being taken to address the strain on local councils from asylum seekers using RAF Wethersfield?
Minister reply
The Home Secretary acknowledged funding provided to Braintree district council and pledged to review specific cases of strain, promising a closer look at examples if further details are submitted in writing.
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Question
How will the Home Secretary address the issue of asylum seekers deported for crimes but allowed to make second applications?
Minister reply
The Home Secretary stated that changes in the Sentencing Bill combined with her policy should expedite deportation of foreign national offenders, ensuring they face legal consequences.
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Question
Which countries are being negotiated for return hubs, and what is the cost involved?
Minister reply
The Home Secretary declined to comment on live negotiations but stated that ongoing discussions aim at future announcements.
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Question
What efforts will be made to address the issue of failed asylum seekers ending up homeless, particularly in Finsbury Park?
Minister reply
The Home Secretary acknowledged challenges but stressed the importance of voluntary departures. She committed to providing financial packages for those leaving voluntarily and emphasised the need for enforced rules within the system.
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Question
How does the policy align with Labour's promise of compassion in immigration?
Minister reply
The Home Secretary dismissed comparisons to racists and criticised the Scottish National Party for defending a 'broken status quo'. She emphasised that necessary reforms are essential for maintaining public support for an asylum system.
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Question
How will reviewing refugee status every two years work in practice, considering Home Office capacity?
Minister reply
The Home Secretary detailed plans to transition from permanent to more temporary statuses for refugees. She committed to designing a new system with adequate administration and funding, aiming for better integration through the protection work and study route.
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Question
The Home Secretary admires the Danish model. Will she ensure that the Treasury publishes similar data in the UK?
Minister reply
We will keep all statistics under review and aim to publish data on fiscal contributions of different migrant profiles as seen in Denmark.
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Question
The Home Secretary's reforms are predicated on decent legal advice being available, but this is often not the case. What will she do to ensure that such advice is provided?
Minister reply
Legal advice will be available from the start under the new appeals system. This ensures people have access to justice and can make proper claims.
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Question
What steps will the Home Secretary take to ensure decent legal advice is provided, given the current lack of immigration lawyers?
Minister reply
The new appeals system will provide early access to legal advice from the start, ensuring a fair and just process for all claimants.
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Question
Will the Home Secretary join Reform UK? The Government's proposals differ significantly from those of Reform UK.
Minister reply
I am not interested in joining Reform UK and will continue to support a fair asylum system based on fairness and contribution.
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Liam Byrne
Lab
Birmingham Hodge Hill and Solihull North
Question
The Home Secretary's announcement is seen as advancing a form of earned citizenship. Will she confirm this?
Minister reply
Yes, these reforms are about fairness and contribution, aligning with Labour values and ensuring that only those who step up to full responsibilities enjoy full rights.
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Question
What plans does the Home Secretary have for ramping up enforced removals of illegal migrants?
Minister reply
We will pursue all types of removal, voluntary and enforced, but aim to keep costs down through voluntary removals. The Government increased removal numbers by 23% over the last 18 months.
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Question
Can my right hon. Friend confirm that her Department is expediting measures to restore public confidence?
Minister reply
We are moving at pace on the exit of hotels and will look at large sites, including military sites, for future placements.
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Question
The Home Secretary has spoken about contribution but does not allow asylum seekers to work. Will she review this decision?
Minister reply
Allowing illegal working is a pull factor, and we are clamping down on it with raids and arrests. We also know that job opportunities in the UK are marketed by smugglers.
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Question
Does the Home Secretary agree that the choice is clear: chaos under the Conservatives or a system of fair and safe legal routes?
Minister reply
I agree with my hon. Friend that ethnic minority Brits value fairness and contribution, which are principles underlying all our policy announcements.
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Question
Does the Secretary of State understand that attempting to out-Reform Reform will deepen divisions?
Minister reply
These reforms aim for fairness and hope, not division. They address issues of demonising migrants and asylum seekers.
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Question
One thing missing in the statement is verifying the people who come into the country. Is age verification part of her plan?
Minister reply
We are pursuing artificial intelligence as a more effective model for age verification, unlike MRI scans and bone tests proposed by the Conservative party.
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Question
There is currently a loophole in UK employment law that means self-employed individuals are not subject to right-to-work checks. Will she discuss how we can close this loophole?
Minister reply
We are closing this loophole through the Border Security, Asylum and Immigration Bill, ensuring everyone is subject to a right-to-work check.
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Question
Does she not recognise that history will judge her for undermining global humanitarian principles?
Minister reply
I caution him to read the asylum policy statement, which outlines our commitment to offering sanctuary and providing more safe and legal routes.
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Question
Is this policy announcement just a desperate attempt to appease Reform?
Minister reply
I caution him not to defend a broken status quo. The morally wrong thing is knowing we have a broken system and either pretending it is not broken or defending the broken status quo.
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Question
Can she commit to address calls to mitigate pull factors such as free cash and accommodation?
Minister reply
The reforms will deal with those pull factors. In future, we expect asylum seekers who have the right to work to actually work.
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Question
Given that this involves children, can she be clear about whether she intends to incarcerate children with their families as part of enforced return?
Minister reply
I urge her to look at the detail of the asylum policy statement. The reforms aim to address pull factors and ensure a fair system.
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Question
This reform of the system is long overdue. When will these reforms be in place so that residents can see the outcomes?
Minister reply
We will pursue consultation on measures as quickly as possible, and there will be legislation in the coming months—certainly during the second Session—which we will seek to pass subject to House agreement.
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Question
What is the plan for failed asylum seekers who cannot be returned home?
Minister reply
We are exploring possibilities with third countries, but we need to avoid publicising agreements before they are reached.
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Question
Could the Home Secretary clarify whether sponsorship can be applied for from outside the UK?
Minister reply
The purpose of the new safe and legal routes is to accept people as refugees before they enter the UK, thus avoiding dangerous journeys.
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Question
What criteria will be used to determine safety for returning refugees?
Minister reply
We are reviewing countries individually based on changes in circumstances, such as Syria.
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Question
Does the Home Secretary believe that winning refugee status is a golden ticket for those fleeing violence?
Minister reply
We aim to disincentivise dangerous journeys and move towards safe legal routes, accepting refugees before they set foot on UK soil.
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Question
Should rapid decision-making be promoted for initial asylum applications?
Minister reply
We are creating a new appeals system with independent adjudicators to fast-track claims and ensure quick outcomes.
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Question
Will these measures lead to lower demand for housing for asylum seekers?
Minister reply
The reforms aim to reduce the need for such housing over time, returning HMOs for local family homes.
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Question
This is a tiny step in the right direction, but it does not go far enough. To truly show that the Home Secretary is listening to the British people, does she agree with me that if you enter this country illegally, you should never be allowed to stay?
Minister reply
We will always abide by our obligations under the refugee convention and we do believe in offering sanctuary, but those who enter illegally through dangerous means such as crossing the Channel will face a longer path to settlement. We are deliberately incentivising other safe and legal routes into the country.
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Question
Does the Home Secretary have any concerns about the implications of these changes for children in asylum families, who could face removal every 30 months? Has she consulted with the Children’s Commissioner?
Minister reply
There will be a full equality impact assessment for all measures. Consultations and discussions with relevant individuals such as the Children's Commissioner are part of the process.
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Question
Can she give us an assurance that whatever changes she makes will apply fully to Northern Ireland, where previous Government policies have undermined immigration control?
Minister reply
We are engaging with the devolved Administrations. The changes will be applied consistently across all parts of the UK.
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Question
What discussions has the Home Secretary had with the EU on exploring working with their new asylum and migration management regulations to protect our human rights?
Minister reply
We are engaging with counterparts across Europe to ensure that we do not become an outlier in tightening immigration rules.
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Question
How will the Home Secretary address cases of individuals re-entering the country illegally and making EU settlement scheme applications?
Minister reply
I look forward to welcoming the hon. Member’s application to join immigration enforcement if he writes to me about specific examples for investigation.
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Question
When opposition parties champion Labour policies, should we question whether we are in the right place?
Minister reply
We should not allow mischief making by others to throw us off course. It is our responsibility as a Labour Government to fix the broken system.
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Question
How will these measures work given that the Home Office cannot cope with current demands, leading to lost papers and backlogs?
Minister reply
I am making changes to ensure they work. We are disincentivising routes that make people smugglers rich while privileging those who come via safe and legal routes.
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Question
Will limiting access to family reunion for refugees force them into the hands of people smugglers, risking their lives?
Minister reply
We are bringing the position on refugee family reunification in line with that of British citizens, who have to meet thresholds before applying.
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Question
Inquires about the legal basis for requiring a 20-year period before someone granted asylum may obtain permanent residency.
Minister reply
Clarifies that while there are already safe country reviews after five years, these will be brought forward and made more rigorous. The Home Office aims to create a system where refugees can move into the protection work and study route, which is designed to ensure they contribute positively to society.
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Question
Highlights the difficulty faced by emergency responders due to language barriers when dealing with distressed callers seeking help.
Minister reply
Agrees that there is nothing progressive about a status quo where vulnerable people are unable to access emergency services because of language barriers. Emphasises the need for reform to address such issues.
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Question
Asks about the Irish Government’s response to the proposed changes in the common travel area.
Minister reply
Does not recognise any specific briefing by a UK Home Office official to the Irish Department of Justice and reiterates that all measures are compliant with the Windsor framework.
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Question
Raises concerns about the feasibility of reviewing cases every 30 months.
Minister reply
Acknowledges ongoing backlogs but commits to ensuring safe country reviews happen every two-and-a-half years. Stresses that new management at the Home Office is working towards making the system fit for purpose.
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Question
Critiques measures as being similar to fascist policies and questions if they punish vulnerable individuals seeking sanctuary.
Minister reply
Clarifies that while she is indeed a child of immigrants, the language used by critics is beneath contempt. Defends reforms aimed at fixing the broken system and retaining public support for asylum.
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Question
Highlights contributions made by migrants to local communities.
Minister reply
Agrees that migrants make significant contributions but argues reforms are necessary to address divisions and ensure public support for the asylum system.
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Question
Questions how safe countries are determined and requests publication of criteria and agreements.
Minister reply
Reassures that safe country reviews are already conducted publicly, aiming to prioritise those who enter the UK through legal routes over those who do not.
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Question
Inquires about the correlation between foreign policy actions and displacement of populations.
Minister reply
Acknowledges ongoing efforts in peace processes but focuses on addressing immediate issues within the current asylum system.
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Question
Asks about ensuring safe and legal routes are established quickly to stop illegal migration.
Minister reply
Commits to moving swiftly on age verification measures based on artificial intelligence, aiming to restore public confidence and open up safe routes.
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Question
Requests assurances that houses in multiple occupation will be emptied of illegal migrants.
Minister reply
Confirms manifesto commitment to exit asylum hotels by the end of Parliament, prioritising safe routes over illegal entry.
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Question
Seeks frequent updates on reforms to ensure promises are delivered.
Minister reply
Promises to legislate and implement reforms swiftly to build public confidence in the new system.
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Question
Questions if stripping individuals of belongings helps address root causes of displacement.
Minister reply
Explains that measures are aimed at addressing challenges within the current asylum system rather than tackling root causes directly.
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Question
Under the previous Government, we had hostile policy after hostile policy... What is dividing communities is the constant anti-refugee rhetoric pumped into our politics...
Minister reply
I made it clear that this is not about taking jewellery—wedding rings and so on—off people at the border; that will never happen, but it is right that those who have assets be asked to contribute to the cost of their asylum accommodation.
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Question
If we look at a heat map of asylum dispersals, we see that they tend to be in inner-city London... When the Secretary of State looks at this policy in the round, as she will, will she look at that dispersal mechanism...
Minister reply
Let me assure him that we already run a dispersal model that is designed to ensure that the burden is spread out across the country, and we will carry on doing so. We have already consulted on modern slavery legislation...
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Question
I thank the Home Secretary for her statement... Does she agree that these changes are as much about incentivising the right behaviour by creating capped legal routes to asylum...
Minister reply
My hon. Friend is absolutely right, and I endorse every word that he said.
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Question
What measures is the Home Secretary taking to dismantle the criminal gangs... Can she give us details of the regulatory action that is being taken...
Minister reply
We are engaging in intense law enforcement work through the National Crime Agency, and we are working collaboratively with our partners in Europe...
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Question
This is about fairness... Does the Secretary of State agree that, unlike the previous Government, who were more concerned about campaigning on the matter...
Minister reply
I agree with every word my hon. Friend said.
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Question
I thank the Home Secretary for her statement... There has been a lot of talk of morality... This is too important to get wrong...
Minister reply
My hon. Friend is absolutely right. Fixing this broken system is a moral mission for me, because I do not believe that we can look the other way and pretend that it is just talking points from our political enemies...
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Question
I thank the Home Secretary for her statement on controlling our borders... Can the Home Secretary set out how the measures announced today will continue that work...
Minister reply
Cracking down on illegal working is crucial to all these reforms, and to ensuring that we can retain public consent not just for our asylum system but for our legal migration system...
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Question
Will the Home Secretary give a clear commitment to Hongkongers that the UK is their home, that the British state will keep its promise to BNOs and Hongkonger refugees...
Minister reply
We are committed to, and have always supported, the repatriation of Hongkongers. The consultation on earned settlement will be announced to this House very shortly—later this week...
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Question
As a delegate to the Council of Europe... In the last 45 years, the Strasbourg Court has ruled against the UK on immigration rules only three times... Why does the Home Secretary believe that articles 3 and 8 of the ECHR are blocking the UK from controlling its borders...
Minister reply
I do not think the data relating to the Strasbourg Court is necessarily reflective of what we are seeing in our own courts here at home. My hon. Friend knows that article 8 is a qualified right, and it is absolutely appropriate for Governments to dictate how that right is applied in their individual countries...
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Question
I thank the Minister for her statement... I was really proud of how my Beckenham and Penge constituency came together to welcome Ukrainian families after the conflict there... Can the Home Secretary set out how quickly we can expect these safe and legal routes to start operating?
Minister reply
We are committed to expanding such safe and legal routes, recognising the UK’s responsibility and desire to support those in need...
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Question
What is the rationale for professionally trained adjudicators when we already have a specialist judiciary to decide these cases?
Minister reply
The appeal system currently suffers from backlogs, and it is appropriate to design an independent new appeal system with early legal advice available. This will ensure one claim, one appeal, and certainty at the end of the process.
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Question
How can we address the targeting of deprived communities by private companies providing asylum accommodation?
Minister reply
These reforms will relieve pressure on Hartlepool and other communities, resolving issues with supported asylum accommodation and exiting hotels for large sites.
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Question
What incentives and support are in place to ensure successful integration of refugees who arrive via safe and legal routes?
Minister reply
We will encourage those on the core protection route to move onto the protection work and study route, enabling them to integrate more effectively into society.
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Question
How can we ensure that communities have greater say in supporting refugees to settle and become self-sufficient?
Minister reply
We will work closely with international partners, philanthropists, community organisations, local councils, universities, businesses, and others to design a new system based on learnings from the Homes for Ukraine scheme.
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Question
Can you confirm that no individual will be sent back to a place where they may face torture, killing or persecution?
Minister reply
We will never send someone back to a country where they will be tortured; we will always abide by our international obligations.
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Question
How flexible can the system remain in response to geopolitical factors?
Minister reply
We retain flexibility to respond to crises and design routes that are world-class, learning from previous schemes and offering sanctuary as needed.
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Question
How will the measures announced be properly enforced to restore order to our borders?
Minister reply
It falls to me to ensure that these reforms are implemented effectively and that the Home Office can handle the work coming its way.
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Luke Myer
Lab
Middlesbrough South and East Cleveland
Question
What assurances can be given that measures will not only be talked about but also acted upon?
Minister reply
I assure constituents to judge us on what we deliver through these reforms, as trust is low after years of broken promises.
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Question
How does raising the threshold for indefinite leave to remain reflect British values?
Minister reply
We aim to open new safe and legal routes, reflecting a protection, work, and study route that will be open to those offered core protection in this country.
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Question
Does the Home Secretary share my concern that the scrutiny from the Conservative Benches is somewhat sparse this evening? On a more serious note, can she reassure my constituents that one of the key outcomes of this statement is that we will finally bring down the taxpayers’ bill for asylum accommodation?
Minister reply
Fairness and contribution are the principles that underpin this asylum policy statement, and I hope that as we bring costs down, we can retain public support for the asylum system overall.
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Question
Quite a few things in this statement need to be challenged. First, there is the suggestion that Britain has always been a welcoming, generous and warm place for immigrants and people seeking asylum.
Minister reply
Again, I would urge my hon. Friend not to defend a broken status quo and people who commit crimes and are funded by the British taxpayer while they do so.
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Question
Having gangsters control who comes into our country is intolerable. It is not fair, humane or socialist.
Minister reply
My hon. Friend is absolutely right. There is nothing humane or socialist—or, indeed, any other group that people might want to put themselves into—about paying people smugglers a lot of money to get into a boat in the channel.
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Question
I fully support the Home Secretary’s statement and the need to get the balance right. In Portsmouth North, we have seen how quickly immigration misinformation can spread on our high streets and local forums.
Minister reply
I agree with my hon. Friend and endorse every word she said.
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Question
The Secretary of State accused one of my Green colleagues of hypocrisy when in fact she had been objecting to the warehousing of asylum seekers in military barracks, which is a position in line with Greens in the Chamber and, in fact, all major refugee rights organisations.
Minister reply
I am happy to say to the hon. Member for Bristol Central (Carla Denyer) that I think it is a fair point of debate to point out that the Green party often indulges in hypocrisy.
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Question
On a point of order, Madam Deputy Speaker. After my earlier intervention, the Home Secretary stated that she “should not be surprised to see the hon. Gentleman indulging in misinformation” in here.
Minister reply
I say to the hon. Member for Bristol Central (Carla Denyer) that I think it is a fair point of debate to point out that the Green party often indulges in hypocrisy.