English Channel Illegal Small Boat Crossings 2024-07-29
2024-07-29
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Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
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Context
Boats carrying illegal migrants have been crossing the English Channel, posing security risks and putting lives at risk. Criminal gangs are exploiting this situation for profit.
What steps she is taking to tackle illegal crossings of the channel in small boats?
Small boat crossings undermine our security and put lives at risk. Criminal gangs are profiting from this trade in human lives. That is why we are establishing a new border security command with additional cross-border police, and new counter-terror powers.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not specify the exact steps or timeline for implementing these measures
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
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Context
Six boats carrying illegal migrants crossed the English Channel on Saturday, and reports suggest another four have done so today. The French authorities are reportedly escorting these migrants into British waters.
Does the Home Secretary agree that it is time to stop paying the French any more money until they stop being complicit in this evil trade?
The hon. Member will know that these boat crossings are extremely dangerous. Criminal gangs are deliberately cramming boats to maximise their profits. That is why we need the new border security command and to work with European police forces right across Europe, to pursue the gangs and prevent the boats from leaving the French coast.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not directly address stopping payments to France but emphasized cooperation with EU police forces
Response accuracy
Q3
Partial Answer
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Context
The Home Secretary is under pressure to improve security at the border between France and the United Kingdom, where illegal boat crossings are a significant issue.
What steps will the Home Secretary take to reach out to France and Belgium in order to secure the border?
We are already in touch with leaders in France and Italy, right across Europe, so that we can strengthen co-operation. We have strengthened our presence in Europol and operational taskforces to pursue the gangs who facilitate dangerous boat crossings.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not specify concrete steps or agreements with French and Belgian authorities
Response accuracy
Q4
Partial Answer
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Context
The Home Secretary is under scrutiny regarding potential security risks posed by individuals who might enter the UK through a deal with European countries to return failed asylum seekers.
Does she accept that under any deal, some of those sent to the United Kingdom from the EU could harbour extremist ideologies or pose a security threat? Will she commit to ensuring strong safeguards?
There will always need to be proper safeguards on security, including security checks. We are setting up a new border security command and counter-terror powers in legislation. Returns of failed asylum seekers have dropped since Labour's last government; we want to increase returns.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not directly commit to specific safeguards for individuals entering the UK through deals with European countries
Response accuracy