Topical Questions 2022-12-19

2022-12-19

TAGS
Response quality

Questions & Answers

Q1 Partial Answer
Context
The question is prompted by the Home Secretary's update on Martyn's law, a proposed new legislation that aims to place security requirements on public venues.
If she will make a statement on her departmental responsibilities. I am concerned about antisocial behaviour involving vehicles in Carshalton and Wallington, including vandalism and dangerous driving. Can the Home Secretary provide an update on how the Home Office is addressing this issue?
I share my hon. Friend's concern about antisocial behaviour, whether it is vandalism, graffiti, loitering or burglary. Neighbourhood crime has fallen by 20% since 2019. We have expanded the remit of our successful safer streets fund to combat antisocial behaviour.
Assessment & feedback
Specific actions and funding for vehicle-related antisocial behaviour were not addressed
Response accuracy
Q2 Partial Answer
Context
The question is prompted by concerns raised about individuals and assets linked to the Iranian regime operating in the UK, which poses a security threat.
We very much welcome the Protect duty legislation. I join the Home Secretary in paying tribute to the families who have worked hard for this change. The annual threat update from the director general of MI5 highlights the serious threat from Iran to some UK residents. What are the Government doing to make it clear that the UK will not be a haven for individuals or money linked to the Iranian regime?
The hon. Lady raised the question of the Iranian threat in the UK, citing MI5 head Ken McCallum's concerns. The National Security Bill will help strengthen our position against this threat.
Assessment & feedback
Specific actions and measures to address individuals or assets linked to the Iranian regime were not detailed
Response accuracy
Q3 Partial Answer
Context
The question is prompted by a High Court ruling on the legality of sending asylum seekers to Rwanda, which raises concerns about compliance with international law.
Given that under the 1951 refugee convention, if no legal and safe routes are available it is illegal to arrest and detain an asylum seeker landing at Dover. Does the Minister agree that without achieving a temporary derogation for the convention, we will never solve the problem?
My right hon. Friend's concerns are noted. My right hon. and learned Friend the Home Secretary will set out more details about the Government's response to today's High Court judgment on Rwanda.
Assessment & feedback
The specific agreement or policy changes required for a derogation were not addressed
Response accuracy
Q4 Partial Answer
Edward Leigh Con
Gainsborough
Context
The question is prompted by previous statements from the Home Secretary regarding the Rwanda plan for sending asylum seekers, including references to language that may be seen as insensitive.
May I ask the Home Secretary whether she will reflect on her comments about sending asylum seekers to Rwanda? She mentioned it being a 'dream' or an 'obsession', showing little sensitivity and compassion. Does this not undermine efforts to manage illegal migration?
I regret the attempt by the hon. Gentleman to lower the tone of this debate. I will not apologise for highlighting the scale of illegal migration challenges, and I reiterate my commitment to the Rwanda agreement.
Assessment & feedback
No substantive reflection on previous statements or policy effectiveness was provided
Lowering The Tone Of Debate
Response accuracy
Q5 Partial Answer
Mark Hendrick Lab Co-op
Preston
Context
The question is prompted by recent measures to manage illegal migration, including housing asylum seekers in hotels, and the ruling on the Rwanda plan.
Last week the Prime Minister outlined measures to gain control over illegal migration. These included options to house potential asylum seekers differently. Does my right hon. Friend agree this will reduce pressure on communities like Middleton in my constituency?
My hon. Friend is correct that spending millions on hotel housing for asylum seekers is unacceptable. We want to end this as quickly as possible and house individuals appropriately but not luxuriously in large sites. Policies like the Rwanda plan create a deterrent to illegal migration.
Assessment & feedback
Specific plans or timelines for alternative accommodation were not detailed
Response accuracy
Q6 Partial Answer
Context
The UK High Court ruling in 1999 confirmed refugees have some element of choice regarding where they claim asylum.
Notwithstanding the earlier contrary claim by the Immigration Minister, will the Home Secretary confirm that she fully respects the landmark 1999 ruling by the UK High Court—not some dodgy European ultra-woke ruling—in which it was confirmed that a short-term stopover en route to another country should not cause them to forfeit the right to claim asylum on arrival at a destination?
I welcome the High Court judgment, which states that the overall policy relating to Rwanda is lawful. It is in line with our international law agreements, and it is a rational policy choice that the UK Government have taken.
Assessment & feedback
Did not confirm respect for 1999 ruling, instead stated policy legality
Stated Policy Legality
Response accuracy
Q7 Partial Answer
Context
Reforms to the modern slavery system aim to deter small boat crossings and clear backlog.
I warmly welcome the legal ruling on the Rwanda plan, and also the reforms to the modern slavery system as part of the overall work to deter those involved in small boat crossings. Does the Home Secretary agree that another way of tackling the backlog would be to speed up the local authority pilot programme for processing claims relating to child victims of modern slavery, many of them vulnerable county lines drug gangs children? Would that not improve support for those children as well as helping to clear the backlog?
My hon. Friend has been an eloquent and knowledgeable campaigner on this issue. She has spoken to me about how we can better ensure that young people who are exploited by criminal gangs are looked after properly. We will take forward more pilots with local authorities next year.
Assessment & feedback
Did not explicitly agree or disagree, mentioned taking advice under consideration
Took Advice Under Consideration
Response accuracy
Q8 Partial Answer
Kate Osamor Lab Co-op
Edmonton and Winchmore Hill
Context
High success rates for asylum applications from certain countries raise concerns about an accelerated decision process.
The success rate of asylum applications from Afghanistan, Syria and Eritrea stands at 98%, and at over 80% for those from Sudan and Iran. Can the Minister commit to an accelerated decision process, especially for people from those countries?
My right hon. Friend the Prime Minister set out last week that we will redesign and speed up the asylum decision-making process. There will be a particular focus on those individuals with the highest grant rate, and those with the lowest grant rates, such as Albanians, who should be removed from the country.
Assessment & feedback
Did not commit to an accelerated decision process for high success rate countries
Focus On Other Groups
Response accuracy
Q9 Partial Answer
Context
In Essex, out of 2,500 reported rape cases last year, only 70 were prosecuted. Concerns about victims coming forward due to privacy and safety.
In Essex, our excellent police, fire and crime commissioner and I are concerned that out of 2,500 reported rape cases last year, only 70 were prosecuted. Can the Minister encourage the police to work more closely with secondary schools to ensure that girls who have been victims of rape know that their privacy and safety will be protected if they come forward to give evidence?
We have allocated £125 million across England and Wales through the safer streets fund and the safety of women at night fund, including £550,000 to invest in my right hon. Friend's constituency. Work and engagement are ongoing with schools in the Chelmsford area.
Assessment & feedback
Did not directly address encouraging closer work between police and schools
Mentioned Funding
Response accuracy
Q10 Partial Answer
Context
The Home Office faces criticism for delays in visa renewals, biometric residence permit cards and passport issuance.
When will the Home Secretary finally accept, rather than waffle about new laws, that the Home Office is a complete mess? Quite apart from the asylum shambles, people renewing their visas are waiting months or years. Then, they have to wait again to get their biometric residence permit card, if they get printed. Far too many people have lost holidays because of waits for passports. When will she get a grip of her Department?
I strongly disagree with the right hon. Gentleman's assertion, surprisingly. On crime, we have seen a 20% fall in violent crime and neighbourhood crime and a 30% fall in domestic burglary since 2019. We see record numbers of police officers on our streets; something that everyone on the Opposition Benches voted against.
Assessment & feedback
Did not address Home Office delays or messiness, instead discussed crime statistics and opposition voting patterns
Discussed Other Issues
Response accuracy
Q11 Partial Answer
Context
Concerns about fairness in the distribution of asylum seekers across different parts of the UK.
I welcome the Home Secretary's work with the Prime Minister on tackling illegal immigration and the statement last week. The statement talked about fairness; I think she knows very well that Stoke-on-Trent feels that it has not been treated fairly. The Minister mentioned that Scotland could take a few more asylum seekers if they were really concerned about these things. Other parts of the country could do the same.
My hon. Friend is absolutely right. There are almost as many hotels in use in Stoke-on-Trent as in the whole of Scotland, bar the city of Glasgow. Fair and equitable distribution involves Scotland paying its fair share. We are acutely aware of the concerns of my hon. Friend and her colleagues in Stoke-on-Trent.
Assessment & feedback
Did not address whether other parts could take asylum seekers, instead focused on fairness criteria
Mentioned Fairness Criteria
Response accuracy
Q12 Partial Answer
Context
Response times for immigration cases have been increasing over the past decade.
In the past decade it was normal to write to the Home Office about an immigration case and get a reply within six weeks. That went up to 10 to 12 weeks. It is now running at three to four months—not to get a decision, just an initial response. How sustainable is that?
I am always happy to take up cases for right hon. and hon. Members. I would just say, however, that the Home Office's standards for visa applications are now back in line with its customer service standards.
Assessment & feedback
Did not address sustainability of current response times, instead stated adherence to customer service standards
Stated Adherence To Standards
Response accuracy
Q13 Partial Answer
Context
Following a High Court ruling, concerns about the fairness of the Rwanda scheme.
A great many of my residents raise with me the issue of cross-channel migration. Following this morning's High Court ruling, does my right hon. Friend agree that the Rwanda scheme, when it gets the green light, will be a fair scheme that will act as a deterrent and help to allay the concerns of Gedling residents?
My hon. Friend is absolutely right. The point of the Rwanda scheme is to provide a significant deterrent, so that those coming here illegally never find a route to life here in the UK and so that we can focus our resources as a country on supporting those who really need to be here.
Assessment & feedback
Did not confirm fairness of the scheme, instead focused on deterrence aspect
Focused On Deterrence
Response accuracy
Q14 Partial Answer
Dave Doogan SNP
Angus and Perthshire Glens
Context
Growers in the constituency are limited by Home Office rules around tetrahydrocannabinol protections despite there being no need to worry about it.
The production of industrial hemp in my constituency offers real promise and opportunity for crop diversification and soil improvement, but the growers are limited by Home Office rules. Can I invite the Home Secretary to come and discuss the matter with my farmers and ensure that the law is changed?
The Government approach illegal drugs under advice from the Advisory Council on the Abuse of Drugs. If detailed points are submitted in writing, I would be happy to look into it.
Assessment & feedback
Did not commit to discussing or changing laws specifically mentioned by the MP
Response accuracy
Q15 Partial Answer
Context
MPs and councils are among the last to know when asylum seekers are placed in hotels in their constituencies.
How is the Home Office working with companies contracted to source and organise hotels for asylum seekers in rural areas, and is there day-to-day oversight?
Implemented better engagement criteria with the Home Office to ensure MP and local authority engagement before placing asylum seekers. Acknowledged pressure on system due to illegal crossings and Rwanda partnership.
Assessment & feedback
Did not address day-to-day oversight specifically requested by the MP
Response accuracy
Q16 Direct Answer
Marsha de Cordova Lab
Battersea
Context
A constituent's wife and children are stuck in Afghanistan with security concerns preventing travel to safe routes.
Will the Minister agree to look into this case on my behalf if I get the details to him today?
Yes, I would be happy to.
Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q17 Partial Answer
Context
Previous riots in Dudley town centre involved extremist groups. A hotel near the riot site is being considered.
Will the Home Secretary ask her officials to reconsider the proposals for siting up to 144 illegal immigrants in a hotel near this location?
Implemented criteria including risk to public order or disorder. Compelling evidence should be taken into account.
Assessment & feedback
Did not explicitly confirm reconsideration of proposals based on location history
Response accuracy
Q18 Direct Answer
Context
Concerns raised about potential border checks between Northern Ireland and Great Britain.
Can the Minister confirm that no citizen will require an electronic travel authorisation to travel within the United Kingdom?
There will be no checks at the border between Northern Ireland and Great Britain for tourist or other visas. Proceeding with ETA to improve security.
Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy