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Knowsley Incident
20 February 2023
Lead MP
Robert Jenrick
Debate Type
Ministerial Statement
Tags
Asylum & RefugeesForeign Affairs
Other Contributors: 31
At a Glance
Robert Jenrick raised concerns about knowsley incident in the House of Commons. A government minister responded. Other MPs also contributed.
How the Debate Unfolded
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said:
Government Statement
The incident at the asylum accommodation centre in Knowsley on February 10th was unacceptable. The Home Office responded with a substantial police deployment and ongoing investigations, with several arrests made. Security measures have been enhanced at accommodation sites. The minister emphasised that while peaceful protest is protected, violence will not be tolerated. He acknowledged the frustration over illegal boat crossings from France but asserted that addressing this issue requires breaking the business model of people smugglers to stop such crossings. He promised future legislation to ensure that those entering illegally through safe countries do not gain access to permanent residence in the UK.
George Howarth
Lab
Knowsley
Question
Thanked the Minister for contacting him after the incident, raised concerns about far-right groups' involvement, suggested an urgent review of hotel usage for refugees and alternatives that meet local housing needs. Requested a meeting with local officials from Knowsley to address the situation.
Minister reply
Acknowledged the shadow minister's measured response and agreed on addressing far-right group activities closely; social media content will be monitored by Home Office and police through appropriate channels. Hotels are an emergency solution due to illegal crossings, but better forms of accommodation like dispersal with local authorities are planned as a long-term fix.
Bill Wiggin
Con
Hereford
Question
Asked why the permanent secretary is still in post and inquired about the absence of small boats Bill before the House.
Minister reply
Work on legislation to address illegal crossings from France is ongoing, aiming for effectiveness against litigious challenges. The Home Secretary, Prime Minister, and Minister are collaborating closely to ensure thoroughness.
Yvette Cooper
Lab
Pontefract, Castleford and Knottingley
Question
The scenes outside the Suites Hotel in Knowsley—violence, intimidation and a police van smashed up and set on fire—were appalling and shameful. The number of so-called migrant hunts organised by far-right groups has doubled in the last year, increasing community tensions. We need to co-ordinate the monitoring of far-right activity around asylum accommodation; address hateful extremism that can radicalise people into violence; revisit downgrading of response to far-right extremism as part of the Prevent strategy; ensure no links between some far-right extremist groups and those exploiting issues, or National Action (proscribed group). Nationally, responsibility is on all of us to be calm and promote community cohesion in a sensible response.
Minister reply
We condemn unequivocally violence, intimidation or attacks on the police. We are co-ordinating with police colleagues to ensure correct advice on supporting asylum accommodation; monitoring activities, including social media for criminal offences content. Enhanced security is in place where appropriate. Prevent strategy addresses both Islamist extremism and far-right activity.
Basildon and Billericay
Question
Given the Minister's genuine concern about these matters, will he deconstruct the point that tackling organised criminal activity should redouble efforts to tackle detention in hotels? Some slave masters target hotels where they entice young men into various businesses. Arriving from a safe country illegally drives people back into hands of slave masters because there would be no incentive for them to give themselves up to authorities. The situation underlines the need to get hotels emptied and Home Office working properly.
Minister reply
We need to stop illegal channel crossings first; we are doubling NCA budget, increasing immigration enforcement visits by 50%. Almost 99% of people crossing the channel in small boats are apprehended. We will work with Rwanda policy.
Alison Thewliss
SNP
Glasgow Central
Question
Putting people in hotels allowed right-wing extremist groups to target vulnerable asylum seekers and police. Does the Minister agree that a lot more needs to be done with social media companies? What meetings has he had directly with social media companies regarding monitoring and conversations about organised immigration crime and abuse? Will any asylum seekers who have been impacted by hotel attack or feel at risk be offered additional support, and will they get extra security measures at all sites?
Minister reply
We are working closely with social media companies to monitor content; police raise that through appropriate channels. Home Office has not stoked far-right activities; the issue is number of people crossing the channel illegally.
Matt Warman
Con
Boston and Skegness
Question
Like the Minister, the Home Secretary and Prime Minister believe hotels are wrong place for asylum seekers. Another protest planned in Skegness against hotel use; legitimate concerns but far-right group involvement is to be deplored and stands in way of sensible conversation moving beyond hotel use. Will Minister join appealing people of Skegness to focus on issues without joining hands with far-right groups?
Minister reply
Hon. Friend’s constituents are frustrated by hotel use in Skegness; want to see action against small boats issue, laws enforced and those coming here illegally apprehended and removed to other safe countries. They will not join pernicious elements like far-right groups stoking disorder or community tensions.
Bill Esterson
Lab
Sefton Central
Question
The Minister knows that there is a backlog and hotels are being used because of it. He might not want to admit it from the Dispatch Box, but that is the reality. May I urge him to work closely with asylum accommodation providers to ensure they are working closely with communities, local authorities, and police where asylum seekers are placed?
Minister reply
The backlog was a problem since 2010 when the previous government left 500,000 cases unprocessed. However, addressing this issue involves preventing illegal immigration in the first place rather than just faster processing. On Merseyside, we work closely with local authorities and police through regular consultations before standing up accommodation sites.
Greg Smith
Con
Mid Buckinghamshire
Question
Joining his condemnation of violence and thanking the police for their response, he agrees that we must stop people smugglers and illegal immigration. Can the Minister assure him that every suite of powers granted by the Nationality and Borders Act 2022 is being used to solve this problem?
Minister reply
The Nationality and Borders Act 2022's measures are being implemented swiftly, leading to more arrests of small boat operators. Further robust legislation will follow.
Maria Eagle
Lab
Liverpool Garston
Question
What specific liaison occurred between the Home Office and Knowsley Council prior to the block booking of a hotel for asylum seekers? Did the Home Office anticipate problems, and what steps are being taken to prevent recurrence?
Minister reply
Engagement procedures have been changed to ensure at least 24 hours' notice before accommodation is set up (unless in emergency), with extensive consultation happening around three weeks prior. Multi-agency meetings take place and opportunities exist for MPs to meet officials.
Question
Supporting the Minister's stance against violence, he agrees on stopping small boats and illegal immigration. The Prime Minister indicated hotels need to be emptied soon; when will Stoke-on-Trent’s hotels be emptied and can it be the first place?
Minister reply
Stoke-on-Trent’s hotels will be emptied as part of plans including mandatory dispersal, working with local authorities to find non-hotel accommodation. The challenge will only resolve if boat arrivals reduce.
Alistair Carmichael
Lib Dem
Orkney and Shetland
Question
The Minister mentioned human rights lawyers abusing laws; how many solicitors, advocates, and barristers have been reported by the Home Office in the last 12 months to regulatory authorities?
Minister reply
Monitoring a small number of legal practitioners’ activities, but it is not appropriate to discuss that here. The point remains about individuals exploiting human rights laws from France to come via traffickers.
Question
The best solution involves stopping boats, stamping out exploiters and smugglers, increasing deportations, and speeding up the Rwanda scheme. Will Doncaster Sheffield airport be used for quicker deportations?
Minister reply
Increasing illegal migrant removal is a deterrent; recent steps include weekly flights to Albania under a communiqué with Albanian Government.
Afzal Khan
Lab
Manchester Rusholme
Question
Two attacks on innocent people by right-wing extremists highlight the need for Prevent to focus more on far-right extremism. Does he agree that William Shawcross's independent review failed in recognising threat levels from far-right groups?
Minister reply
William Shawcross’s rigorous review found both far-right and Islamist extremism unacceptable; resources must be proportionate, hence his suggestion is supported.
Kim Johnson
Lab
Liverpool Riverside
Question
Liverpool's history of chasing fascists off the streets. Does he agree that Shawcross’s independent review failed to recognise far-right threat levels and what action will prevent serious incidents like Knowsley?
Minister reply
Government clearly states extremism of any kind is unacceptable; resources are proportionate to challenges, with close monitoring of groups involved in incidents.
Question
The Minister mentioned the importance of observing the law. The European convention on human rights is still part of our domestic legal system, and human rights are universal. Can the Minister tell me what steps the Home Secretary is taking to ensure that the human rights of asylum seekers are respected in the United Kingdom?
Minister reply
We take our responsibilities to those in our care seriously. While we strive for high standards, there will be occasions when errors occur and need correction. In general, our facilities meet high standards, and staff do a commendable job. We aim to improve these services continuously.
Hilary Benn
Lab
Leeds South
Question
The right hon. Gentleman is aware of individuals claiming to be journalists who stir up hatred against asylum seekers. Is it better for the Government, police, or Home Office to ask social media companies to remove such videos, or should they look at prosecution under the Public Order Act 1986?
Minister reply
Some content is vile and possibly criminal; in those cases, the police can prosecute if appropriate. We respect free speech but individuals need to be careful not to stir up community tensions or spread disinformation.
Ian Byrne
Lab
Liverpool West Derby
Question
The incidents in Knowsley are heart-breaking. Will the Government commit themselves to ensuring an end to hateful rhetoric that demonises and dehumanises people, providing resources for communities to foster hope and understanding, and for safe, welcoming accommodation for all seeking asylum?
Minister reply
Proud of our country being one of the most generous in the world. Since 2015, over 440,000 people have come on humanitarian grounds; more than at any time since WWII. We distinguish between those who seek refuge legally and those exploiting laws from safe countries like France.
Dwyfor Meirionnydd
Question
The Government’s language on asylum seekers stokes division, but Wales has shown that communities can act with humanity and foster harmony. When the history books are written about his Government’s record on asylum, will they recognise people in Wales for their efforts?
Minister reply
Pointing to fantastic schemes like Homes for Ukraine and Syria/Afghanistan schemes which have brought hundreds of thousands to our shores where they've been welcomed into homes of British citizens. Distinguishing between those with moral obligations and those exploiting laws from safe countries.
Debbie Abrahams
Lab
Oldham East and Saddleworth
Question
The Home Secretary was warned by Government lawyers last November that inflammatory immigration rhetoric risked inspiring far-right terror attacks. What discussions has the Home Secretary had with her Ministers about what is appropriate language?
Minister reply
The violence in Knowsley was unacceptable, and she stands with Merseyside police who responded bravely. She also pays tribute to all those working in our asylum system under difficult circumstances.
Florence Eshalomi
Lab Co-op
Vauxhall and Camberwell Green
Question
People seeking asylum are frustrated by living in hotels for up to two years, backlog in Home Office applications, and difficulty resolving cases. Does the Minister understand that accommodating people in hotels will not work? Can he guarantee a safety review before placing people into hotels?
Minister reply
We have safeguarding procedures in place. The backlog was three times higher when we came to power but we are taking action with new measures, recruiting decision makers and seeing progress. We aim to eliminate the legacy backlog of initial decisions this year.
Question
Many at the incident on 10 February were ordinary people frustrated by Government neglect and fear stoked into hatred. Does he accept that stranding refugees in hotels risks isolating them from community support networks, making them targets for hatred? Will he explain what steps are being taken to find community-based alternatives?
Minister reply
We pursue a strategy of replacing hotels with dispersal accommodation which provides better value and avoids the situation other than addressing the root cause by preventing illegal crossings. I encourage supporting our steps over the coming months.
Stella Creasy
Lab Co-op
Walthamstow
Question
The truth is that this is not the first time we have seen violence and intimidation directed towards refugees in these hotels. Hope not Hate has documented hundreds of incidents involving Patriotic Alternative, Britain First and so-called migrant hunters. The Minister says the Home Office reports to the police incidents that it feels may breach the Public Order Act 1986, yet nothing is happening. For the avoidance of doubt, will he set out the threshold for prosecution? This is harassment and terrorism on our doorstep, and it needs to be dealt with properly.
Minister reply
I have spoken on a number of occasions in recent days to Home Office officials, the national police co-ordination centre and operational policing colleagues. They are monitoring this activity very closely, and they are keeping a close eye on these groups. Where they believe content requires further action, they will take it, but it is for the police to take that action rather than the Home Office.
Question
The anti-Muslim group Britain First has activists in my constituency. The group is known to have carried out more than 80 visits to asylum accommodation sites and to have distributed leaflets containing Islamophobic narratives in those areas. Does the Minister regret the Home Secretary’s use of such inflammatory language, which feeds into and enables far-right groups? Will he explain what proactive work the Home Office is leading to get a grip on far-right extremism?
Minister reply
I usually have great respect for the hon. Lady, but it is wrong to equate the actions of far-right groups with the comments of the Home Secretary. The Home Secretary has condemned the violence we saw in Knowsley, and she is working with the police to ensure it is properly investigated and that the police have the resources and the support they need for that investigation.
Clive Efford
Lab
Eltham
Question
When the Government use language closely associated with the far right, it only provides encouragement. We know these far-right groups are trying to stoke local problems around the hotels in which asylum seekers are being housed. Has the incident in Knowsley inspired the Government to review how they assess the safety of these locations and the powers that the police and those investigating online activity need to deter the people who are trying to exploit this situation?
Minister reply
We have reviewed the security at these hotels and other asylum accommodation centres. The national police co-ordination centre will be issuing updated guidance to our providers and local partners on how they should ensure correct levels of security at each site. Security is based on risk, so procedures will vary depending on intelligence.
Question
The disorder at Rotherham and Knowsley was instigated by fascist goons such as Patriotic Alternative, and the Home Secretary must take a share of the blame for using rhetoric that helped to create the environment that normalised these racist thugs. The Erskine Bridge hotel in my constituency is planned to be the largest of these hotels in the UK, and we have seen this group incite and inflame local sensitivities for its own racist and divisive ends. Will the Minister chase a response, so that we can drive the far right out of Erskine?
Minister reply
I am aware of the site in the hon. Gentleman’s constituency and the protests around it. I spoke to officials earlier today regarding it and they gave me an update. I would be happy to connect him with those officials so that he can raise his concerns and they can support him in any way.
Meg Hillier
Lab Co-op
Hackney South and Shoreditch
Question
The Minister speaks as though all of the issues were someone else’s problem. We have a system that spends a great deal of public money to keep desperate people in absolute poverty and degradation in these terrible hotels—their use obviously needs to end. When we will see a real change, a step change, as a result of the changes he is introducing?
Minister reply
The Prime Minister set out a plan at the end of last year and I am working every day to implement it. We are already seeing significant progress on the asylum backlog, with cases falling significantly with every passing week, and we are recruiting more decision makers into the Home Office to do this.
Jeremy Corbyn
Ind
Islington North
Question
The Minister must be well aware that what happened in Knowsley is not an isolated incident; the far right is attacking hotels in other places and attacking asylum seekers regularly. We have a system that spends a great deal of public money to keep desperate people in absolute poverty and degradation in these terrible hotels—their use obviously needs to end. Will he say a word of humanity about the fear that many of these people must be facing? They are refugees from wars, famine and human rights abuses who are looking for a place of safety in this world.
Minister reply
It is, just as a matter of fact, a criminal offence to cross the channel in a small boat, so those who enter the UK in that manner are in breach of our laws. The broader point that the right hon. Gentleman makes is, of course, absolutely right: irrespective of that, those people who come here should be treated compassionately and we should abide by our broader legal obligations.
Question
Two weeks ago, at departmental questions, I requested a meeting with a Minister about the continued use of hotels in my constituency and the broader Liverpool city region. In the meantime, a group called the Patriotic Alternative has started distributing leaflets in one part of my constituency. Again, I request that meeting.
Minister reply
I would be happy to meet the hon. Gentleman, and I apologise if there has been any delay. He raises a broader point of concern to us, which is the leafleting by far-right groups of the communities surrounding hotels. Whenever I have seen those, I have raised them with local police and the Home Office’s dedicated counter-terrorism support.
Andrew Gwynne
Ind
Gorton
Question
I do not doubt the Minister’s sincerity when he rightly condemns right-wing extremism—indeed, all extremism—but it is now three years since the former commissioner for counter-extremism warned that the Government’s counter-extremism strategy was out of date because it did not have key measures to tackle online radicalisation. When can we expect to see those measures before the House?
Minister reply
I will take the hon. Gentleman’s question away and ask the Security Minister to write to him with a fuller reply. I have always taken extremism seriously.
Question
The Minister will be aware that there are asylum seekers who have complex physical and mental health needs, and placing them in hotels can exacerbate those needs. Can he assure us that he will speak to the refugee charities, particularly the Scottish Refugee Council and the Refugee Council, about both the far-right activity and their concerns about placing asylum seekers in hotel accommodation?
Minister reply
The Home Office works very closely with non-governmental organisations, including the Refugee Council, and takes their views into consideration. I have been clear that no one in Government wants to see the hotel accommodation continue for one day more than is absolutely necessary.
Shadow Comment
George Howarth
Shadow Comment
The shadow minister thanked the Minister for contacting him after the incident at Knowsley and expressed concern over the involvement of far-right groups like Patriotic Alternative, Yorkshire Rose, and Britain First. He asked the Minister to consider proscribing these groups, undertake an urgent review of hotel usage for refugees, explore alternatives that meet local housing needs, agree to a meeting with local officials from Knowsley, and address how the Government plans to fix the asylum system. He also questioned the role of social media in fueling misinformation.
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