Illegal Migration Bill Compatibility 2023-03-20
2023-03-20
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Direct Answer
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Context
The question arises from concerns about the compatibility of proposed legislation with international human rights standards.
What recent assessment has she made of the compatibility of the Illegal Migration Bill with the European convention on human rights?
I refer the hon. Lady to the statement in my name that appears on the front of the Bill. I would add that I am satisfied that the provisions of the Bill are capable of being applied compatibly with the human rights convention and compliant with our international obligations, including the refugee convention.
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Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
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Context
The UN High Commissioner for Refugees has criticized the bill, stating that it amounts to an 'asylum ban' and a clear breach of the Refugee Convention.
Does she not realize that universal human rights should apply to all groups regardless of Government choice?
I refer the hon. Lady to article 31 of the refugee convention, which makes it clear that there is not an absolute duty on states to offer provision to asylum seekers, particularly if they have come from a safe country. It is important to note that the Bill applies to people who have come here illegally from a safe country.
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Assessment & feedback
universal application of human rights
Referencing Specific Article In Refugee Convention
Stating Bill'S Applicability
Response accuracy
Q3
Partial Answer
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Context
The Home Secretary has made conflicting statements regarding the compatibility of the Illegal Migration Bill with human rights laws and conventions.
Can she confirm which view she holds: confident it is compatible, unable to make a declaration under section 19 of Human Rights Act, or less than 50% compatible?
I do not think the hon. Lady has quite got the point of the Human Rights Act. Section 19(1)(b) is designed for exactly these purposes. Although the Government believe our provisions are capable of being compliant with the Human Rights Act and the European convention on human rights, we are, none the less, testing legal arguments and legal bases, and there is nothing wrong with that.
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Assessment & feedback
confirmation of specific view stance
Explaining Purpose Of Section 19(1)(B)
Mentioning Previous Labour Administration
Response accuracy
Q4
Partial Answer
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Context
There are questions about the effectiveness of existing refugee conventions in light of modern global migration crises.
Will she have the courage to lead international discussions on updating the conventions to meet current challenges?
My hon. Friend makes an incredibly powerful point, and I agree with his sentiment. The historic conventions to which we subscribe are fundamentally challenged by modern travel and a global migration crisis in which more than 100 million displaced people are on the move today.
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Assessment & feedback
commitment to lead discussions
Acknowledging Challenge
Response accuracy
Q5
Partial Answer
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Context
There are concerns that comparing current policies to those of the 1930s Germany is a gross misrepresentation.
Does she agree with opponents who say such comparisons represent an 'appalling' lack of understanding?
Many people have commented on this. All I will say is that people who resort to such analogies have already lost the argument.
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Assessment & feedback
historical comparisons
Declaring Those Making Comparisons Have 'Lost The Argument'
Response accuracy