Settlement British National Overseas Route 2025-11-17
2025-11-17
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Questions & Answers
Q1
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Context
The MP referred to the British National Overseas (BNO) visa holders who seek refuge in the UK. She highlighted that many BNOs have lived and worked in Reading for years, enriching local communities.
Reading is proud to be a town of many immigrant diasporas, including Hong Kong BNOs seeking refuge there. Many of my constituents have lived and worked hard in our community for years, putting down roots as my parents did when I was a child. Will the Minister acknowledge the contributions of immigrant families who enrich towns like mine, when making policy about settlement periods?
Absolutely. Across the board we recognise the contribution from migrant communities, and specifically the Hong Kong community. We are listening to their views about the route to settlement, and will continue to do so.
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Q2
Partial Answer
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Context
The MP raised concerns about the exploitation of immigrants for illegal trading activities, citing local businesses' frustration when police raids on such premises do not result in closures.
The case for legal migration and those genuinely seeking asylum is undermined by evidence that businesses in Station Road are using and exploiting migrants to carry out illegal trading. Local businesses are shocked and frustrated when the police raid these premises, but they remain open and continue trading. Will the Government consider bringing forward legislation to provide for the immediate closure of illegally trading shops?
We take extremely this seriously in the Home Office, but it is out of control after the previous Government left us with a broken system. That is why in just over a year and a half we have increased arrests by 50% and visits by 64%—the highest in British history—and we will continue on that route.
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