← Back to House of Commons Debates
Migration and Economic Development
19 December 2022
Lead MP
Suella Braverman
Debate Type
Ministerial Statement
Tags
Asylum & RefugeesMigrants & Borders
Other Contributors: 31
At a Glance
Suella Braverman raised concerns about migration and economic development 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 Minister outlined the UK’s migration and economic development partnership with Rwanda, addressing global displacement challenges. She highlighted that nearly 450,000 people have entered the UK through safe and legal routes since 2015, while emphasising the need for controlled migration due to finite capacity and concerns over illegal crossings. The statement detailed the agreement allowing asylum seekers arriving illegally in the UK to be relocated to Rwanda, where they will receive up to five years of support including education and employment training. This initiative is seen as a humane alternative to discourage dangerous journeys and combat people-smuggling. The Minister also clarified misconceptions about Rwanda’s suitability for such partnerships and affirmed that legal challenges have not undermined the policy's foundation. She invited opposition backing, highlighting court affirmations of legality.
Steve McCabe
Lab
Birmingham Selly Oak
Question
Does the Minister accept that this policy is a distraction from dealing with the real issues, such as crime in Dover and smuggling gangs? How does she propose to tackle these problems?
Minister reply
The Government’s focus on tackling illegal migration through partnerships like Rwanda is intended to address criminal activities effectively. The UK aims to dismantle people-smuggling operations by removing incentives for such journeys.
Salford and Eccles
Question
Given the recent court decision, will the Home Secretary provide detailed information on how many asylum seekers are likely to be sent to Rwanda next year?
Minister reply
The Government remains committed to operationalising the partnership with Rwanda. While specific numbers have not been finalised due to legal proceedings, they aim for a scaled-up operation that benefits both countries.
Yvette Cooper
Lab
Pontefract, Castleford and Knottingley
Question
The shadow criticises the Government for failing to stop criminal gangs from putting lives at risk along UK borders and failing to prosecute or convict gang members. She highlights flaws in Home Office decision-making such as mixing up evidence, confusion between teams, and ignoring evidence of torture and trafficking. The shadow requests details on how many people are expected to be sent to Rwanda next year, the full cost of the scheme, and why an investigation was not conducted into the terms of the Rwanda-Israel agreement.
Minister reply
The Home Secretary defends the legality of the Rwanda policy as affirmed by a High Court judgment. She acknowledges that while eight individual cases were set aside due to flawed decision-making, the overall policy remains lawful under several grounds including compliance with articles 3 and 14 of the European convention on human rights and article 31 of the refugee convention. The minister emphasises that no one will be relocated if it is unsafe for them and support is offered throughout the process.
Bill Cash
Con
Stone
Question
Although the High Court ruled that the Rwanda policy is lawful, there were only eight asylum claimants whose cases have been set aside due to improper consideration. With over 160,000 individual cases outstanding, the MP questions whether it is essential to apply the 'notwithstanding' formula to new legislation to distinguish between genuine refugees and illegal economic migrants, assert UK parliamentary sovereignty, and deal comprehensively with the current backlog of asylum cases.
Minister reply
The Home Secretary agrees that the European Court of Human Rights ruling did not rule on the lawfulness of their policy but issued an interim injunction without proper consideration. She emphasises the need for a robust migration system that is not abused by those who do not have legitimate claims to be here and confirms plans to bring forward legislation to ensure secure borders.
Alison Thewliss
SNP
Glasgow Central
Question
The SNP Member criticised the Home Secretary's Rwanda policy, calling it 'wrong in principle and unworkable in practice.' She questioned how the Government will now approach cases of those who challenged the policy, the fate of those issued with notices of intent, and expressed doubts about the deterrent effect of the scheme. The shadow also pointed out that the policy is akin to state-sponsored people trafficking and asked for a detailed cost breakdown.
Minister reply
The Home Secretary responded by stating that the SNP Member's ideological zeal blinds her from taking a rational approach, and highlighted that Britain has welcomed 450,000 people through safe and legal routes since 2015. She emphasised that safe and legal routes need to be combined with deterrent policies.
Jacob Rees-Mogg
Con
North East Somerset
Question
The Member questioned the legitimacy of an injunction issued by a Russian judge and asked if it could stand.
Minister reply
The Home Secretary supported the Prime Minister's position, asserting that the policy is part of their plans to break the business model for illegal migration. She stated that they will continue to move quickly to honour the will of the British people.
Jeremy Corbyn
Ind
Islington North
Question
The Member criticised the Home Secretary's policy as vile and brutal, asking if she could show humanity towards desperate individuals who are victims of wars, environmental change, and human rights abuse.
Minister reply
The Home Secretary argued that safe and legal routes must be combined with deterrent policies to stop illegal arrivals. She highlighted that 300,000 people have arrived through safe and legal means in the last year alone.
Edward Leigh
Con
Gainsborough
Question
The Member suggested detaining individuals who arrive irregularly or illegally until their asylum application is dealt with as a way to deter migration.
Minister reply
The Home Secretary confirmed that the Prime Minister will introduce legislation next year allowing for the detention and removal of those arriving irregularly or illegally to a safe third country, such as Rwanda.
Kevan Jones
Lab
Durham
Question
The Member questioned the cost-effectiveness of the scheme and asked for the Home Secretary to publish all costs spent so far.
Minister reply
The Home Secretary stated that £140 million has been spent on the agreement with Rwanda, which is expected to last at least five years. She added that litigation has hindered progress but value for money will be ensured once legal processes are completed.
Natalie Elphicke
Con
Dover
Question
The Member welcomed the High Court judgment and questioned if it was better to keep people safe in France rather than removing them to Rwanda.
Minister reply
The Home Secretary agreed, stating that people should not make the journey across the channel but remain safe on land.
Stella Creasy
Lab Co-op
Walthamstow
Question
The Member asked if children and those looking after them would be deported to Rwanda, seeking a clear confirmation.
Minister reply
The Home Secretary confirmed that families are not subject to the Rwandan policy but emphasised the legality of the scheme based on legal analysis.
Maldon
Question
The Member spoke about his visit to Hope hostel in Kigali and expressed hope that refugees would obtain jobs and move out, asking if the policy is humane.
Minister reply
The Home Secretary agreed that the policy is humane as it offers real hope. She referred to the judgment which extensively analysed support given in Rwanda, welfare monitoring, and Rwanda's track record of supporting refugees.
Christine Jardine
Lib Dem
Edinburgh West
Question
The MP is frustrated with the Home Secretary's response and suggests focusing on stopping dangerous crossings, tackling smugglers and trafficking by providing more safe and legal routes for refugees. She emphasises dealing with issues at source to prevent such crossings.
Minister reply
The minister disagrees with the MP’s viewpoint and states that her party opposes an unlimited open borders policy. She asserts that the approach taken must be pragmatic, measured, and compassionate.
Greg Smith
Con
Mid Buckinghamshire
Question
The MP welcomes today's judgment and asks if legislation can include a 'notwithstanding' clause to ensure the Government can prevent further loss of human life in the English channel.
Minister reply
The minister emphasises that they will introduce robust, resilient, and effective legislation but acknowledges that this requires legal analysis.
Tonia Antoniazzi
Lab
Gower
Question
The MP asks if leaving the European convention on human rights is possible without breaking commitments in the Belfast/Good Friday agreement.
Minister reply
The minister states there are challenges with international conventions and agreements related to migration. She suggests that forging a new set of agreements could be a reasonable approach.
Desmond Swayne
Con
New Forest West
Question
Will the trade in small boats continue if more safe and legal routes are made available?
Minister reply
Yes, it would continue unabated.
Hilary Benn
Lab
Leeds South
Question
The MP asks for assurance that individuals arriving on Dover's shores to claim asylum in order to join a family member will not be expelled to Rwanda.
Minister reply
Anyone arriving irregularly will be eligible for consideration. Decisions will be made based on individual merits and legality.
Martin Vickers
Con
Brigg and Immingham
Question
The MP inquires about the speed of processing cases and requests assurance that staffing issues are being addressed.
Minister reply
The minister confirms they are increasing caseworkers, specialism, and streamlining processes to reduce wait times.
Question
The MP criticises the Government's policy as ineffective and lacks public support. She asks for an end to the policy, provision of safe legal routes, and adherence to international agreements.
Minister reply
The minister maintains that their approach is supported by the majority of British people, aiming to control borders and improve the asylum system.
Question
The MP inquires about timescales for implementing the Rwanda policy following today's ruling. He asks if agreements with other countries will be delayed similarly.
Minister reply
Once legal challenges are resolved, swift implementation of the policy is expected.
Question
The MP cautions against getting overexcited about a first-instance decision and asks if the Home Secretary will legislate her way out of international treaty obligations.
Minister reply
It would not be appropriate to speculate on legal strategies or claimants' responses at this stage.
Question
The MP inquires about the duration of further judicial delays and when relocation flights will take off.
Minister reply
There are appeal rights, and a hearing on 16 January to consider applications for appeals. Steps beyond this point would depend on the court's decision.
Jim Shannon
DUP
Strangford
Question
The right hon. and learned Lady tries very hard to find a way forward and a solution, which I acknowledge, and I defer to the High Court ruling. I say with great respect to the right hon. and learned Lady that, clearly, we have a duty of care. Along with many others in this House and in the nation, I do not believe that the scheme fulfils our moral obligation. Should other ways of dealing with the situation be identified, such as better regulation of the English channel, better processes in France or more acceptable ways of migration, will it be reconsidered? There has to be a more compassionate approach.
Minister reply
The solution involves a multifaceted approach. That is why we are working closely with the French. I was pleased to strike an agreement last month with my French counterpart to bolster co-operation on the channel, and information and intelligence sharing. For the first time ever, UK Border Force officials are working hand in hand with our French counterparts. That is why I have worked closely with other Interior Ministers from European nations on similar issues. That is why we need to work on our asylum backlog and introduce legislation. The Rwanda scheme is one element of a multidimensional programme. We need all elements to work in tandem.
Question
As the Home Secretary knows, Stoke-on-Trent has already done more than its fair share, and this has put huge pressure on our local public services, so does she agree that it is really important that we now get on with delivering this policy and get on with those flights as soon as possible?
Minister reply
I pay tribute to my hon. Friend, his Stoke parliamentary colleagues, the local authorities and all those involved in supporting asylum seekers in Stoke. I know that a high number of people are currently accommodated in his area. It is therefore vital that we stop people coming in the first place, and delivering the Rwanda partnership is key to making that happen.
Question
It is the super-rich and those on luxury yachts, not small boats, that people should be scared of. Asylum seekers are people just like us; they have hopes, dreams and aspirations. This policy could be legally sound but it is immoral and a waste of taxpayers’ money. This cruel Government should be ashamed of themselves. The Home Secretary said in her statement: “This judgment thoroughly vindicates the Rwanda partnership…It is what the overwhelming majority of the British people want to happen.” Of course, the Rwanda partnership was not in the Tory manifesto, so can she evidence this support from people across all four nations wanting the Rwanda deal? Scotland certainly does not, and Scotland will continue to reject these xenophobic policies.
Minister reply
The reality is that stopping people taking the journey in the first place is the compassionate and pragmatic approach. It delivers for the British people, but it also sends a message to the people smugglers, the human traffickers and those who are deliberately taking the journey to come here for illegitimate means, not to do so. That is the sensible approach.
Question
I welcome the judgment today that confirms that the Government’s policy is legal and will be a step forward to implementing what the Prime Minister said last week. The Home Secretary is right to say that we need to break the business model of the people smugglers. Does she agree that it is not enough just to go after the supply, even though those people are immoral and parasitic, and that we also need to destroy the demand for these journeys in the first place? The way we will achieve that is by making it clear that those that come by boat will not be allowed to stay in this country. That is what worked in Australia, and that is what will work here.
Minister reply
My hon. Friend is absolutely right. I have met Australian officials who were involved in the design of their sovereign borders programme, and they say that once they were able to remove illegal entrants to Papua New Guinea or Nauru, they saw a dramatic change in the numbers of people attempting the journey in the first place. That is the model on which our Rwanda scheme is based.
Question
If every country took this Government’s approach, this Rwanda approach, the countries that already host the overwhelming majority of refugees—the Jordans, the Lebanons, the Pakistans and the Ugandas of this world; the first countries—would be required to host all of them, while wealthy western countries such as the United Kingdom could pick and choose if and when they wanted to help out. What this Government are arguing for is an end to the international system of refugee protection, is it not?
Minister reply
I really disagree with the moral high ground that the hon. Member seems to be taking, in the light of Scotland’s paltry record on taking asylum seekers. It has refused to take anybody who has come here on a small boat, and that is unacceptable.
Question
I welcome the statement today and the judgment, but will the Secretary of State confirm to the House that she will continue to use every tool in her power to stop these boats? As we can see, the Opposition and the human rights lawyers will try to stop the good work that the Secretary of State is doing, but the people of Doncaster are tired of been taken advantage of by these illegal immigrants. Will she confirm that she will continue to use every power that she has?
Minister reply
My hon. Friend speaks not only for the people of Doncaster but for the people of Britain in expressing the sentiment that the British people are tired and want this problem to be fixed. It is only this Government who are going to do it.
Question
How many of the people who were pulled from the channel last week does the Home Secretary think should be sent to Rwanda?
Minister reply
The incident last week was tragic. People died. Precious human lives were lost. People had been exploited and took a journey that was unlawful, lethal and, in the end, tragic. That is what we want to bring to an end.
Question
The High Court found that the Home Office has to consider an asylum seeker’s particular circumstances before deporting them to Rwanda. Does the Home Secretary acknowledge that this defeats the scheme’s original purpose, which was to have applications assessed in Rwanda under Rwandan law? As such, will she reconsider?
Minister reply
The judgment is very clear that our arrangement, under which people will be relocated to Rwanda for their asylum claim to be processed and for them to be resettled there, has been found to be lawful. There was an extensive analysis of all the potential legal claims that could render it unlawful, and the Home Office won.
Shadow Comment
Yvette Cooper
Shadow Comment
The Shadow Secretary criticised the Government’s failure to address criminal gangs and improve asylum decision-making processes. She questioned the efficacy and ethics of the Rwanda plan, noting financial burdens without clear deterrent effects. The response detailed court judgments that revealed flaws in Home Office decision-making, including chaotic processes and inadequate consideration of evidence like torture reports. Cooper emphasised limited capacity for relocation and high costs per individual, estimating expenses exceeding £1 million per person. She advocated for redirecting funds towards combating criminal gangs rather than implementing an unworkable policy.
▸
Assessment & feedback
Summary accuracy
About House of Commons Debates
House of Commons debates take place in the main chamber of the House of Commons. These debates cover a wide range of topics including government policy, legislation, and current affairs. MPs from all parties can participate, question ministers, and hold the government accountable for its decisions.