← Back to House of Commons Debates
Migration and Economic Development Partnership with Rwanda
15 June 2022
Lead MP
Priti Patel
Debate Type
Ministerial Statement
Tags
Migrants & Borders
Other Contributors: 48
At a Glance
Priti Patel raised concerns about migration and economic development partnership with rwanda 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 announced the Government's policy on partnering with Rwanda to manage illegal immigration. She emphasised that the British people want controlled immigration and secure borders, and expressed disappointment at the European Court of Human Rights decision halting a flight bound for Rwanda but reaffirmed her commitment to the policy despite legal challenges. The Minister argued that illegal migration strains public services and finances (nearly £5 million daily), and endangers migrants via criminal gangs. She praised Rwanda’s support for refugees, criticised Opposition Members' lack of practical solutions, and stated that controlled immigration benefits the UK. She also highlighted her role in bringing thousands of people from conflict zones to the UK.
Cumbernauld, Kilsyth and Kirkintilloch East
Question
The MP questioned the Home Secretary on whether she knew of torture and trafficking victims among those slated for relocation to Rwanda before the European Court decision halted it.
Minister reply
The Minister confirmed that the Home Office had withdrawn several cases due to issues identified but did not specify how many. She also mentioned that even without court intervention, only a small number would have been relocated due to previous withdrawals.
Jon Trickett
Lab
Worsley and Eccles South
Question
The MP inquired about the Home Office's refusal to disclose promised payments to Rwanda for each individual transferred and its commitment to taking in Rwandan refugees.
Minister reply
The Minister did not provide specific figures, citing confidentiality concerns.
Chris Philp
Con
Croydon South
Question
The MP asked about the Home Secretary's view on Labour’s stance towards border control and illegal migration.
Minister reply
The Minister stated that the Opposition lacks a practical alternative solution to illegal immigration, which is irresponsible.
Yvette Cooper
Lab
Pontefract, Castleford and Knottingley
Question
The Home Secretary's policy is a shambles and unethical; it risks sending torture victims to Rwanda without proper screening. The shadow Home Secretary also questioned the financial arrangements with Rwanda for each person transferred and pointed out that the policy will not work due to lack of capacity in Rwanda.
Minister reply
The minister stated that the approach adopted by her Government is not unique, as it has been used by other countries like Denmark and the EU. She clarified that several points raised by Cooper were factually incorrect and highlighted the efforts made with Rwanda to ensure its capability.
Question
The Home Secretary's policy is supported by Parliament, and it is right that we control immigration for those arriving in boats. He questioned why the European Court of Human Rights overruled our domestic courts.
Minister reply
Penning was commended for his points about the generosity of Britain in supporting refugees. The minister highlighted that the policy has been supported by domestic courts and emphasised the importance of transparency from the ECHR after last night's ruling on an individual case.
Question
McDonald criticised the Home Secretary for her reckless approach to taxpayers' money, rule of law, and legal professionals. He also asked for more basic questions about oversight, age assessments, and screening to be answered.
Minister reply
The minister disagreed with McDonald's stance and emphasised that her policy is in line with the Nationality and Borders Act. She pointed out that while the ECHR prohibited removals of three individuals last night, it did not rule the policy as unlawful.
Natalie Elphicke
Con
Dover
Question
Last November, I stood on Dover seafront and mourned 27 people who had drowned in the English channel. Of those people, seven were women, one was a teenager and one was a seven-year-old child. In addition, up to 166 are feared to have lost their lives or are missing across the channel: people who were safe already, in France. Overnight, many of my constituents have been in touch with me anguished at developments that have occurred to stop effective action to tackle the crossings. May I urge my right hon. Friend to continue to do everything possible to bring an end to these dangerous journeys, and ask her what representations she has received from the Labour party supporting action to bring these crossings to an end and save lives?
Minister reply
I thank my hon. Friend for the very thoughtful way in which she has made her points and asked her question. In particular, I want to pay tribute to her and to her constituents, because they are on the frontline... It is a fact—we know this through intelligence work and the UK intelligence network—that a lot of those gangs are based in European member states.
Diana R. Johnson
Lab
Kingston upon Hull North and Cottingham
Question
The permanent secretary refused to sign off the Rwanda policy on the basis of a lack of evidence of value for money for the taxpayer... Will there be additional payments to Rwanda for people whom Rwanda is expecting, whether or not those people actually arrive?
Minister reply
First, on our accounting officer advice, we should always put this in the context of asylum costs that are soaring across the United Kingdom—and have been for many years because of the number of people coming here illegally... The right hon. Lady asked about payment mechanisms to Rwanda as part of the partnership deal, and we would be happy to drop her a line and share that information with her.
Question
People who are trafficked into this country, or duped or coerced, are exploited for sexual or labour purposes. People who are smuggled into this country willingly pay to be so, and come for economic purposes... I hope the Home Secretary can sort this out.
Minister reply
I thank my hon. Friend for his work on this issue, for which he is a committed and passionate advocate, and for the way he has worked with us in the Home Office on many of these challenging issues... We cannot allow people to exploit it for the wrong aims.
Alistair Carmichael
Lib Dem
Orkney and Shetland
Question
Why does the Home Secretary say, as she did in her statement, that “It is no use pretending that those people are fleeing persecution” when they are not? She will be aware that Home Office figures state that 98% of those who make the channel crossing claim asylum... There are only three options here: either the Home Secretary in demonising those people is making an incorrect statement, or the Home Office figures are incorrect, or the Home Office is granting asylum applications to people who are not fleeing persecution. Which is it?
Minister reply
If I may, there is a fourth option, which is that the right hon. Gentleman is wrong on all counts... We have just spoken about the exploitation of our system, which we have to stop.
Kevin Hollinrake
Con
Thirsk and Malton
Question
In the absence of any practical, workable policies on this issue from the Opposition, I absolutely support the Home Secretary’s policy on Rwanda... Does she agree that those reception centres must be in the right location, so that they do not present an unfair or undue burden on any one community?
Minister reply
I thank my hon. Friend. We have been discussing this issue for some time and working together on it... There is no doubt that reception centres are the right way forward.
Chi Onwurah
Lab
Newcastle upon Tyne Central and West
Question
Last week I finally received a response to an immigration query that my office sent last August. I have an asylum seeker who has waited 18 months just for an interview, which he still has not had... Why does she not put the work in and fix the issues in her Department of process and resource?
Minister reply
I will politely disagree with the hon. Lady, for a change... We are building on that work, as she will know, and it is a shame that she voted against asylum reforms and the new plan for immigration.
Andrew Murrison
Con
South West Wiltshire
Question
The European convention on human rights was started in the early 1950s, notably with the involvement of British lawyers, for very good reason. However, does the Home Secretary agree that last night’s decision by the European Court of Human Rights undermined the original purpose of the convention and risks losing the confidence of the British people as it seeks to undermine our domestic legal structures?
Minister reply
My right hon Friend makes a strong point. The UK courts have not found the policy unlawful, and the evidence shows that Rwanda is an effective destination for asylum seekers. However, I am cautious due to ongoing legal proceedings and we are in touch with the European Court of Human Rights.
Clive Efford
Lab
Eltham
Question
Yesterday saw 444 people crossing in small boats, suggesting that the policy is not deterring asylum seekers. Does this not indicate that it’s time to reconsider cutting funding for the National Crime Agency and instead focus on tackling illegal traffickers?
Minister reply
This is not a time to sit idle. The Government will continue to work with intelligence agencies, crime agencies, and law enforcement to combat people smugglers.
Desmond Swayne
Con
New Forest West
Question
Do we need to extend the principle of taking back control to the European convention?
Minister reply
My right hon Friend understands my views on controlled migration and Brexit opportunities. However, I will refrain from making further comments at this time.
Caroline Lucas
Green
Brighton Pavilion
Question
The Home Secretary talks about a moral response to the situation, but the real moral response would be to provide safe and legal routes for asylum seekers. Is her policy not failing on basic care standards?
Minister reply
I reject the mis-characterisation of Rwanda. The country provides a legitimate destination for asylum seekers.
Kelly Tolhurst
Con
Erith and Thamesmead
Question
Can you assure me that the Government will continue their determination to find solutions despite synthetic outrage from Opposition Members?
Minister reply
I thank my hon Friend for her support. We are determined to uphold our commitment to break up people-smuggling gangs and address the issue.
Andrew Slaughter
Lab
Hammersmith
Question
As Home Secretary, you have a responsibility to uphold the rule of law. Can you affirm your support for the European Court of Human Rights and our membership in the convention?
Minister reply
I would like to put the hon Gentleman’s comments into context.
Bob Blackman
Con
Harrow East
Question
The process should be sped up so that more people can be issued protective notices and moved to Rwanda for their cases to be resolved.
Minister reply
My hon Friend is correct. The Government are reforming the asylum system to ensure an end-to-end perspective.
Paula Barker
Lab
Liverpool Wavertree
Question
It’s fascinating that the Home Secretary talks endlessly about refugees travelling from France when it is such a safe country. Why do we need to bring Rwandan refugees into Britain?
Minister reply
Rwanda faces specific cases of people fleeing persecution in the region, and we will work with them on these specific cases.
Shrewsbury and Atcham
Question
Will you show courage to start a debate about leaving the European convention on human rights?
Minister reply
My hon Friend’s point is important. The UK legal system has high standards, but it would be premature to comment further given ongoing proceedings.
Stella Creasy
Lab Co-op
Walthamstow
Question
The Home Secretary talks as if the European Court of Human Rights is not part of this country’s legal processes. Will she stop attacking lawyers who are just doing their jobs in holding her to the law?
Minister reply
I refer the hon Lady to comments I have already made. It is a deliberate misrepresentation to say that I am attacking lawyers.
Lee Anderson
Reform
Ashfield
Question
Is the Home Secretary aware of Opposition MPs' reactions to the cancelled Rwanda flight and does France remain a safe country to travel to?
Minister reply
The Home Secretary provided a list of Opposition Members making similar points with glee, condemning the policy without offering alternatives. She confirmed that France remains a safe destination.
Jeremy Corbyn
Ind
Islington North
Question
Why can't the Home Secretary support the European convention on human rights and acknowledge that the Rwanda policy is unjust?
Minister reply
The Home Secretary disagreed with Jeremy Corbyn's views, stating that they are consistently opposed to each other. She refused further comments until court judgments are received.
Question
What discussions has she had with the Deputy Prime Minister regarding a renewed British Bill of Rights?
Minister reply
The Home Secretary confirmed active discussions on the forthcoming Bill of Rights to deliver manifesto commitments and ensure sovereignty over laws.
Question
How does cutting the National Crime Agency by 20% deter people smugglers?
Minister reply
The Home Secretary clarified there are no cuts, only resourcing for work on kleptocracy and sanctions enforcement under the Russia-Ukraine crisis.
Question
Does my right hon. Friend agree that Labour has heard no practical solutions to combat illegal migration?
Minister reply
The Home Secretary agreed, highlighting her constituency's views on controlled immigration and secure borders.
Question
Would a move away from the ECHR undermine Welsh lawmaking supported by most Welsh people?
Minister reply
The Home Secretary referred back to comments made earlier about the European Court’s ruling.
Question
Does this debate not signal the Government's commitment to saving lives and stopping smugglers, unlike Labour supporting open borders?
Minister reply
The Home Secretary agreed completely with the sentiment expressed by her colleague.
Rachael Maskell
Lab Co-op
York Central
Question
How does closing safe routes not push people into trafficking, and when will she recognise policy failure?
Minister reply
The Home Secretary stated that tackling illegal migration requires new solutions and existing approaches have failed. She emphasised the need for change to stop deaths.
Gavin Williamson
Con
Stone, Great Wyrley and Penkridge
Question
Has there been increased French Government cooperation since elections?
Minister reply
The Home Secretary confirmed ongoing work with the French government post-elections to improve UK-French partnership.
Question
Did the Home Office itself withdraw individuals from flights due to claims of torture or trafficking?
Minister reply
The Home Secretary stated that individuals are removed from flight manifests when representatives make claims, requiring investigation through Court.
Question
When will the Government take control back after interventions by European judges and others blocking policy?
Minister reply
The Home Secretary acknowledged frustration but stated that they will continue with their policies based on the Nationality and Borders Act 2022.
Question
Does the convention remain untouchable given its importance to the Good Friday agreement?
Minister reply
The Home Secretary avoided comments until Court judgments are received due to ongoing legal proceedings.
Greg Smith
Con
Mid Buckinghamshire
Question
Congratulates the Home Secretary on her statement and supports the policy of removals and deportations to third countries. Expresses concern about people smugglers preying on more individuals.
Minister reply
Agrees that there is no point in dragging processes out as it will lead to more deaths and smuggling. Emphasises the need for policy implementation to break up the people smuggling model.
Rupa Huq
Lab
Ealing Central and Acton
Question
Questions the effectiveness of the policy, citing examples from Israel where deportees attempted to escape and return to the smugglers.
Minister reply
Disagrees with the hon. Member's stance and explains that Rwanda will provide housing and opportunities for resettlement, differing fundamentally from previous policies.
Question
Suggests fast-tracking plans for a new British Bill of Rights to align with public support.
Minister reply
Confirms work on the British Bill of Rights is underway and will be announced by the Deputy Prime Minister in due course.
Question
Asks about relatives in Afghanistan who are being threatened by the Taliban, questioning whether they should try to get to safety in Glasgow.
Minister reply
Refers to a specific scheme for Afghan refugees to come over.
Question
Clarifies that the interim judgment of the Strasbourg Court did not declare the policy illegal and criticises Opposition stance as misleading.
Minister reply
Acknowledges public support for change and commitment to deliver on people’s priorities.
Zarah Sultana
Your Party
Coventry South
Question
Criticises the policy, arguing it is about hate-mongering rather than stopping human trafficking.
Minister reply
Requests withdrawal of personal slur against her.
Question
Supports the policy and argues that the status quo will end up costing more due to escalating demand on public services.
Minister reply
Agrees that doing nothing is costly and reiterates commitment to deter people smugglers and support legal immigration routes.
Florence Eshalomi
Lab Co-op
Vauxhall and Camberwell Green
Question
Asks for assurances regarding protections for LGBT individuals under the policy.
Minister reply
Apologises for lack of response previously, assures that Rwanda’s constitution outlaws discrimination and does not criminalise sexual orientation.
Question
Confirms commitment to relocating illegal immigrants to Rwanda despite recent legal challenges.
Minister reply
Reiterates policy is legal and assures ongoing commitment.
Lilian Greenwood
Lab
Nottingham South
Question
Asks about reports of Afghans on the planned flight, suggesting they were in genuine need.
Minister reply
Restates that individuals had travelled to the UK illegally through safe countries where asylum could have been claimed.
Question
Supports the policy and asks about confirmation of a British Bill of Rights aiding implementation.
Minister reply
Confirms work is ongoing and highlights support from constituents for taking back control over borders.
Christine Jardine
Lib Dem
Edinburgh West
Question
I wonder whether the Home Secretary realises the extent to which her determination to pursue this immoral, expensive and already failing policy is damaging the firm and fair immigration system to which she says she is committed. She cites a specific case where someone was refused a visa due to incorrectly filled forms by an experienced individual, questioning the fairness of the current system.
Minister reply
I have not seen the case that the hon. Lady mentions but am open to reviewing it; however, our policy will continue to focus on breaking up people smuggling gangs and working with international partners.
Neil Coyle
Lab
Bermondsey and Old Southwark
Question
We know that Ministers have a history of breaking rules and wasting public funds; the hon. Gentleman asks for transparency on how much taxpayer money will be wasted before the outsourcing of asylum policy is proved unlawful, given its condemnation by religious leaders.
Minister reply
I refer the hon. Gentleman to previous comments made earlier in the statement.
Shadow Comment
Yvette Cooper
Shadow Comment
The Shadow Secretary criticised the policy as unethical, unworkable, and a political stunt. She highlighted issues such as inadequate asylum capacity in Rwanda, human rights concerns there, lack of proper screening processes by the Home Office, and potential exacerbation of trafficking due to previous similar policies. She also pointed out that the Government’s actions undermine public trust and basic British values, while failing to address illegal migration effectively.
▸
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.