Topical Questions 2023-02-06
2023-02-06
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Direct Answer
▸
Context
The question arises from the need for transparency on departmental operations.
If she will make a statement on her departmental responsibilities. The questioner seeks clarity on how efficiently the passport system operates and its current performance following the impact of the global pandemic.
I am going to make a short topical statement. It is very important that our passport system runs as efficiently as possible. In 2022, His Majesty's Passport Office served more customers than ever before. Staff numbers have increased by over 1,200 since April 2021 and many staff have been trained to deal with a broader range of applications. Despite high demand so far this year, approximately 99% of all UK applications were completed within 10 weeks and approximately 97% within three weeks last week.
▸
Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
▸
Context
West Yorkshire has seen an increase of police officers through the government's recruitment drive. The question seeks assurance on quality and retention.
Whereas most countries have police forces, we are proud to have a police service in Britain, with police officers playing an integral role in the communities in which they live and work. That is why I particularly welcome the 16,000-plus police officers who are being recruited. In West Yorkshire, in my patch, that means 589 additional police officers. What extra will the Home Secretary do to ensure that we recruit high-quality police officers while also retaining those experienced officers in our local forces?
West Yorkshire police have recruited 837 additional police officers to December, against their total allocation of 852. This is an unprecedented recruitment drive giving forces the opportunity to recruit the brightest and the best into policing.
▸
Assessment & feedback
Retention measures not addressed.
Response accuracy
Q3
Partial Answer
▸
Context
The Home Secretary announced changes to the police disciplinary process following recent cases of misconduct.
Sentencing is under way today for David Carrick's truly appalling crimes. It is shocking that he was able to serve as an officer for so long, and we think of his victims. After Sarah Everard's murder, Ministers said “Never again”, but barely anything changed. Can the Home Secretary confirm that, if a police officer is under investigation for rape or domestic abuse, there is still no requirement for them even to be suspended, and that many, like Carrick, are not?
We are going through an overhaul of our processes when it comes to disciplinary procedures applying to those officers who are under investigation. That is why I have announced a review and am looking into measures over the disciplinary process, so that we make it easier for chief constables to exclude those officers who have fallen short.
▸
Assessment & feedback
Confirmation of no suspension requirement not provided.
Response accuracy
Q4
Partial Answer
▸
Context
The question follows previous discussions on police disciplinary measures following cases of misconduct.
But nothing has changed in two years. Everything the Home Secretary has said is too little and too late, and far, far too weak. I have been contacted by a woman whose police officer partner was actually charged by his force with domestic abuse, but he still was not suspended and he is still a serving officer. This kind of thing is too unfair on victims and on police officers working hard. Labour will change the law to bring in compulsory standards for policing and to tackle abuse. Why won't the Home Secretary change the law?
I think the right hon. Lady needs to keep up, because we have the College of Policing already strengthening the statutory code of practice for police vetting; we have tasked the Angiolini inquiry to look at the specifics of the Carrick case; and I have launched a review into the disciplinary process.
▸
Assessment & feedback
Legislative change not addressed.
Response accuracy
Q5
Partial Answer
▸
Context
The question arises from the Green Ribbon Policing campaign, which aims to improve police officers' mental health support.
Can my right hon. Friend update the House on the steps being taken to further the aims of the Green Ribbon Policing campaign, to support the mental health of our police officers—particularly those with serious conditions such as post-traumatic stress disorder—and to hold the forces to account for delivering that support?
My hon. Friend raises an extremely important point. It is something we work on regularly via the police covenant oversight board, which I chair. One of the steps we have already taken is to appoint a chief medical officer for the police, to deal with exactly the issues that he rightly raises.
▸
Assessment & feedback
Specific measures not detailed.
Response accuracy
Q6
Partial Answer
▸
Context
Bedfordshire police rely on special grant funding to address serious and organised crime. The question seeks clarity on the progress of a funding formula review.
The broken police funding formula means that Bedfordshire police are continually reliant on special grant funding each year to tackle serious and organised crime. Will the Minister tell the House when he expects the review of the police funding formula to be completed, and can he assure my Luton South constituents that that review will take account of the level of complex and organised crime in Bedfordshire?
Yes, there is an intention to consult on the police funding formula in the near future. That is very important, but I ask the hon. Lady to join me in welcoming the fact that Bedfordshire now has about 150 more officers than it did in 2010.
▸
Assessment & feedback
Specific timeline and assurance not provided.
Response accuracy
Q7
Direct Answer
▸
Context
Incidents of antisocial behaviour have increased around shops in Rubery and West Heath, including an incident involving a knife.
I am concerned about the increase in instances of antisocial behaviour, especially around shops in Rubery and West Heath. Can you explain how we can help protect retail staff and reduce such behaviour?
Tackling antisocial behaviour is a priority. We have introduced an aggravating factor in legislation for assaults on retail staff and established a retail crime group within Government chaired by the Policing Minister to bring together relevant agencies.
▸
Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q8
Direct Answer
▸
Context
The Home Secretary said asylum seekers arriving by small boats or in lorries are not welcome.
When meeting with asylum seekers and refugees who may have arrived on small boats, should I inform them that the Home Secretary says they are not welcome?
The hon. Gentleman is living in another planet if he thinks people who come here on small boats, breaking laws and putting themselves at risk, are welcome. There will be a robust response from our laws.
▸
Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q9
Partial Answer
▸
Context
Fraud has been a problem in communities, and a fraud strategy is being worked on.
What actions are being taken to reduce the impact of fraud?
My right hon. Friend, fraud has been a blight on too many communities. The fraud strategy that we have been working on for months will be coming out very soon.
▸
Assessment & feedback
Does not specify when the anti-fraud strategy will be released or what specific actions are being taken to reduce fraud's impact
Response accuracy
Q10
Partial Answer
▸
Context
Home Office staff went on strike over pay and pension issues.
What interventions are being made to resolve the dispute between Home Office management and striking staff?
The hon. Gentleman is talking about industrial action by Border Force officers in the run-up to the new year. I was grateful for the preparation and planning by management, and for military support at the border despite industrial action.
▸
Assessment & feedback
Does not address how government is resolving dispute or intervening to prevent further strikes
Response accuracy
Q11
Partial Answer
▸
Context
Ilkeston and Cotmanhay will benefit from £400,000 of safer streets funding.
Does the Minister agree that town centre improvements should be funded alongside the safer streets fund to level up places such as Ilkeston?
My hon. Friend represents an interesting county, and I know she works hard on this issue. There are three projects of the kind mentioned in Derbyshire with more than £1.5 million spent.
▸
Assessment & feedback
Does not directly answer whether both town centre improvements and safer streets funding should be provided simultaneously
Response accuracy
Q12
Partial Answer
▸
Context
Australia's medical regulator has moved to reschedule psilocybin for medicinal use.
When can we expect the Home Office to reschedule psilocybin for medicinal use as Australia, Europe, and the US have done?
The hon. Lady raises a reasonable point about psilocybin rescheduling. We are getting advice from the Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs and will act as soon as possible.
▸
Assessment & feedback
Does not provide a specific timeline or details on when action will be taken
Response accuracy
Q13
Partial Answer
▸
Context
Medical professionals in the NHS are facing issues with skilled worker visa extensions and lack of response from Home Office.
Surely people doing service to this country should have a dedicated hotline for their concerns regarding visa extensions?
We introduced the health and social care visa making it easier for the NHS to recruit internationally. There is an enhanced service standard of 15 working days for extensions to those visas, which is currently being met.
▸
Assessment & feedback
Does not mention a dedicated hotline or specific measures for addressing concerns about lack of response from Home Office
Response accuracy
Q14
Partial Answer
▸
Context
Pressures arising from the use of hotel accommodation in Liverpool city region.
Will the Minister meet to discuss continued pressures arising from the use of hotel accommodation?
I would be happy to. I hope that the hon. Gentleman will support our legislation in due course, which will tackle the root cause of the issue.
▸
Assessment & feedback
Does not specify when a meeting can take place or what actions are being taken to address hotel accommodation pressures
Response accuracy
Q15
Partial Answer
▸
Context
A minor was able to buy a dangerous machete online and have it delivered.
Does the Minister agree that we need to close the loophole regarding the definition of zombie knives?
Yes, I entirely agree. We are looking to consult in the very near future to make sure that the law prohibits dangerous weapons where necessary.
▸
Assessment & feedback
Does not specify timeline or details on how loophole will be closed
Response accuracy
Q16
Partial Answer
▸
Context
Two recent stabbings in Walsall have raised concerns about serious violent crime.
A man was stabbed to death outside Asda in Walsall town centre, and an 18-year-old was stabbed to death in Cook Street, Darlaston. What discussions has the Home Secretary had with the new chief constable about reducing serious violent crime in Walsall?
Violent crime is devastating, which is why we need to get knives and other offensive weapons off our streets. I am pleased with the targeted interventions made through violence reduction units, hotspot policing and, of course, increased police resources, which are all working towards a reduction in knife crime and violent crime.
▸
Assessment & feedback
Specific discussions with the new chief constable about reducing serious violent crime in Walsall were not addressed.
Response accuracy
Q17
Partial Answer
▸
Context
Members of the House are concerned about measures to address illegal immigration.
Does my right hon. Friend agree that it is quite extraordinary that Members of this House complain about the number of asylum seekers, but oppose all measures that the Government bring forward to tackle them coming here illegally? Will she therefore join me in encouraging all Members to back our plans to stop small boats, which is what my constituents and the British public so manifestly want to happen, so that we can save lives and break the model used by illegal people traffickers?
My hon. Friend puts it incredibly well. The tragedy is that Labour Members have opposed every measure that we have proposed. They voted against our Bill, which would have provided tougher penalties for people smugglers. They voted against our measures to improve the situation. We delivered the ground-breaking partnership with Rwanda and they would scrap it. Labour's plan is to invest more money in the National Crime Agency. Let me tell Members that we are already doing that. The reality is that Labour has no plan. It has no idea, and, frankly, it is not on the side of the British people, because all it wants is open borders.
▸
Assessment & feedback
The question about supporting measures to tackle illegal immigration was avoided in favour of criticising Labour's stance.
Response accuracy
Q18
Partial Answer
▸
Context
Contractual deadlines are at risk due to visa delays for essential staff.
South Caernarfon Creameries is Wales's oldest and largest dairy co-operative. It is investing in Project Dragon, an ambitious expansion programme that involves investing £8 million in a factory plant from Turkish technology leaders, Gemak. Contractual deadlines are at risk as a result of delays at the British consulate in issuing visas for key staff who are essential to installing and handing over the equipment. Will someone from the Secretary of State's Department meet me at their earliest convenience to resolve this situation?
I would be happy to look into the matter for the right hon. Lady. I would say, however, that the visa service is now working within its service standards in all respects.
▸
Assessment & feedback
Specific commitment to meet and resolve issues was not provided, instead noting general service status.
Response accuracy
Q19
Partial Answer
▸
Context
There are delays in processing modern slavery claims.
How many Albanians last year claimed to be modern-day slaves, and what are we doing to encourage the processing of their claims back in their country of origin?
The published figures to September last year show that 3,400 Albanians claimed to be modern slaves. Of course, some within this number will prove to be so, but many will not, which is why it is right that we tackle abuse of the system. We have already taken substantial action by increasing the reasonable grounds threshold and reducing the minimum recovery period. If we need to take further action, we will.
▸
Assessment & feedback
Specific measures for processing claims back in Albania were not provided.
Response accuracy
Q20
Partial Answer
▸
Context
There are 40,000 people seeking asylum stuck in hotels.
Around 40,000 people seeking asylum are stuck in hotels. However, Home Office policy allows decisions on refugee status to be communicated only to those who have been dispersed. Surely that is absurd and counterproductive. When will the policy change?
We are considering this issue. The policy was put in place some time ago, for good reason: so that those local authorities that were bearing a disproportionate number of the individuals in hotels and temporary accommodation did not take a corresponding number of people were they to be granted asylum. We are looking into that at the moment.
▸
Assessment & feedback
No timeline or specific commitment for policy change was given.
Response accuracy
Q21
Partial Answer
▸
Context
Small businesses are facing issues with the skilled worker visa system.
The skilled worker visa system simply is not working for many businesses in Milton Keynes North. Despite having a licence, small businesses find that it takes ages to get a decision, and then either the visa is denied, or they pay extortionate fees for a service that does not materialise. Can we get on this immediately, because our businesses are crying out for skills? Will my right hon. Friend commit to resolving these issues?
I would be happy to look into any specific cases, but overall, the skilled worker system is operating well. We have more than 48,000 registered sponsors, mostly small and medium-sized businesses. In the year to September last year, almost a quarter of a million work-related visas were granted, and the standard processing time is three weeks for those applications.
▸
Assessment & feedback
No specific commitment to resolve issues faced by small businesses was made.
Response accuracy
Q22
Partial Answer
▸
Context
International students contribute to the UK economy and cross-subsidise teaching fees for British students.
The graduate visa route enables international students to work in the UK for up to two years after their study. Curtailing or removing this route would deter international students from studying in the UK, but their net contribution to the UK economy is more than £25 billion per year. Does the Minister recognise that international student fees cross-subsidise teaching fees for British students?
We very much welcome the best and the brightest students from all over the world to our world-leading universities. Our points-based system was designed to enable graduates and undergraduates to come and study at UK universities. We are always looking at our visa routes to make sure the right balance is struck between the resources we can provide for people coming here and the numbers coming here. That is the same across the board, whichever visa route we look at.
▸
Assessment & feedback
The question about recognising economic impacts was not directly addressed.
Response accuracy
Q23
Direct Answer
▸
Context
Residents are concerned about antisocial behaviour in the town centre.
I welcome the extra funding from the safer streets fund and the shared prosperity fund, but does the Home Secretary agree that we also need a zero-tolerance approach to tackling antisocial behaviour? Many of my constituents—long-term residents—are concerned about going into our town centre because they do not feel safe. Does she agree that it is time for a hands-on, and not a hands-off, approach, so that where there are groups of men in the town centre blighting the experience of most of my residents, we clear them out?
Yes, we agree entirely. That is why my hon. Friend's county and his town have had safer streets funding, and why they are getting extra police officers. The Government completely agree that zero tolerance to ASB is exactly what we need.
▸
Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q24
Partial Answer
▸
Context
The question refers to Vladimir Putin's actions in Europe, the freezing of Russian state assets by the UK, and a proposed Bill to seize these assets for Ukraine.
Vladimir Putin is the biggest criminal in Europe with the most blood on his hands. The government has frozen his Russian state assets; will the Home Secretary support my Bill tomorrow to seize those assets and give them to Ukraine?
Going from freezing to seizing is a difficult procedure under our laws, due to rights people have. We have discussed this matter with partners in common law jurisdictions and will continue conversations on the subject.
▸
Assessment & feedback
Specific support for the Bill was not committed to
Response accuracy
Q25
Direct Answer
▸
Context
The question pertains to the Nationality and Borders Act 2022, which has been implemented for illegal immigration control. The questioner seeks information on arrests made by this act.
My constituents are concerned about victims of people-smuggling gangs. Can you confirm how many people smugglers have been arrested under the Nationality and Borders Act 78 days after it became law?
The right hon. Friend makes an important point. Over 190 people have been arrested since the implementation of the Nationality and Borders Act, which is having a real impact on illegal immigration control.
▸
Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q26
Partial Answer
▸
Context
The question concerns the shortage of workers in the UK aviation sector and its impact on the economy.
Aviation is crucial for the UK economy but the Government have not recognised the shortage of skilled workers. Does the Home Secretary plan to include aviation in the skilled worker visa shortage occupations list?
We work with the Migration Advisory Committee and DEFRA to review the skilled worker list annually. The seasonal agricultural worker scheme has been extended this year, increasing permitted numbers.
▸
Assessment & feedback
Including aviation in the visa shortage occupations list was not committed to
Response accuracy
Q27
Partial Answer
▸
Context
The question critiques opponents of the UK-Rwanda migration and economic development partnership, suggesting they do not understand Rwanda and cannot solve channel crossings.
Is it obvious from today's exchanges that many who oppose the UK-Rwanda partnership have no idea about Rwanda? The Opposition lacks a plan to solve cross-channel gang issues.
My right hon. Friend makes his point well; the Labour party opposes measures to control our borders and fix cross-channel issues.
▸
Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q28
Partial Answer
▸
Context
The question addresses the importance of a skilled domestic and foreign workforce for East Devon's agriculture.
Farmers in East Devon rely on a skilled workforce. What reassurances can my right hon. Friend give about extending the seasonal agricultural worker scheme beyond 2024?
We review the seasonal agricultural worker scheme annually with DEFRA, extending it for this year and increasing permitted numbers. We balance this against training British workers and investing in farming to reduce reliance on foreign labour.
▸
Assessment & feedback
Specific reassurances about extension beyond 2024 were not provided
Response accuracy
Q29
Direct Answer
▸
Context
The question praises Humberside Police Force for its recent 'outstanding' assessment, its chief constable Lee Freeman's award, and asks how other forces can adopt best practices.
Humberside Police is assessed as 'outstanding'. Will my right hon. Friend outline steps that excellent police forces like Humberside can take to share good practice?
I join my hon. Friend in praising Chief Constable Lee Freeman and Humberside Police Force's pioneering work, such as its 'right care, right person' programme which is being rolled out across the country to benefit all forces.
▸
Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q30
Partial Answer
▸
Context
The question concerns the Great Northern Hotel in Peterborough being used to accommodate migrants and seeks a timeframe for its return to normal use.
I wrote to the Minister about the Great Northern hotel in my constituency accommodating migrants. Can you guarantee that when responding, there will be a timeframe so we can give certainty to support services?
The Great Northern hotel is returned to use by the local community and economy. I will write back setting out our plans, though not all details can be shared at this stage.
▸
Assessment & feedback
Providing a specific timeframe was not committed to
Response accuracy