Topical Questions 2021-02-08

2021-02-08

TAGS
Response quality

Questions & Answers

Q1 Direct Answer
I am concerned about the departmental responsibilities, particularly regarding the Hong Kong BNO status holders and their family members. I would like to know more about the Government's commitment to support these individuals.
On 31 January, the Government launched an immigration route for Hong Kong British National Overseas (BNO) status holders following China's imposition of a new national security law. The programme includes welcoming BNO status holders and their families to the UK on a pathway to citizenship from February 23 through a digitalised process.
Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q2 Partial Answer
Context
Andy Aitchison, an accredited journalist from the questioner's constituency, was arrested by five police officers on 20 January following a demonstration at Napier barracks. The charges were dropped last Friday.
My constituent Andy Aitchison was arrested and his equipment confiscated while covering a protest in Folkestone. He has since been cleared of all charges. Does the Home Secretary agree that there should be a review of guidance given to police regarding arrests of accredited journalists?
Kent police were called following a report involving Andy Aitchison. Decisions on arrests are an operational matter for the police, and they make arrests in line with their duties to keep the peace and protect communities.
Assessment & feedback
The Home Secretary did not confirm a review of guidance given to police regarding arrests of accredited journalists.
Response accuracy
Q3 Partial Answer
Context
Travellers from 33 red list countries will be subject to hotel quarantine starting on February 15th, but a further 29 countries with the South African variant are not covered by this policy.
The introduction of hotel quarantine is too limited for travellers coming from the 41 countries confirmed to have cases of the South African strain and six with the Brazilian variant. When will the Government publish the scientific basis for their existing red list?
The hon. Gentleman has spent time discussing this issue with me, and I want to emphasise that our measures are based on advice from SAGE and other Government advisers.
Assessment & feedback
The Home Secretary did not provide a timeline for publishing the specific scientific basis for their existing red list.
Flip-Flopping On Hotel Quarantining Measures Attacking The Labour Party'S Stance
Response accuracy
Q4 Partial Answer
Context
The Labour party criticised the Government for not implementing hotel quarantining measures effectively, stating that no formal contracts have been agreed yet.
Ministers have lagged behind in addressing the issue. There was no formal quarantining system until June last year, and it proved ineffective. The South African variant is already present in the UK. No formal hotel quarantine agreements are in place. Is this not a weakness in our defences against the virus?
Health measures at the border have been in place since January last year, developed as the situation changed. The Labour party has been inconsistent on these matters.
Assessment & feedback
The Home Secretary did not address the issue of hotel quarantine agreements or effectiveness of current policies.
Attacking The Opposition
Response accuracy
Q5 Partial Answer
Context
The Home Secretary is asked about legislation to make deportation easier for foreign nationals who are offenders, making false asylum claims, or are otherwise illegally present in the UK.
I am concerned that despite clear government intentions to facilitate the deportation of illegal immigrants and those abusing the asylum system, no concrete timeline has been provided. When will this promised legislation be introduced?
My hon. Friend makes some very good, strong and important points that the British public support the removal of foreign national offenders and those making illegitimate asylum claims. We intend to introduce legislation later this year, supporting a firm but fair asylum system.
Assessment & feedback
Under Review
Response accuracy
Q6 Partial Answer
Yvette Cooper Lab
Pontefract, Castleford and Knottingley
Context
The Home Secretary is questioned about the effectiveness of current hotel quarantine requirements and follow-up checks for international arrivals amid concerns over new virus variants.
Following my recent correspondence with the Home Secretary, I want to confirm whether her proposed future plans for managing travel risks will ensure comprehensive compliance measures or leave significant gaps in coverage. Specifically, will most passengers still not be subject to hotel quarantine and follow-up testing?
My plans do not confirm that the majority of passengers will escape strict quarantine measures. Compliance checks are ongoing, including airport screenings and pre-departure testing. The Government reviews all policies to protect public health.
Assessment & feedback
Under Review
Response accuracy
Q7 Direct Answer
Context
The Home Secretary is asked about the need for continued police support as vaccination efforts progress, citing examples of public breaches of restrictions.
During this pandemic, our police have faced significant challenges in enforcing rules on selfish individuals. As we roll out vaccines, should we continue to prioritise and support these brave officers?
My hon. Friend is absolutely right. The Government supports our frontline workers, including police who protect public health and safety during this critical time.
Assessment & feedback
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Q8 Partial Answer
Rosie Duffield Ind
Canterbury
Context
The Home Secretary is asked about the adequacy of Napier barracks as accommodation for asylum seekers, with concerns raised by local community and advocacy groups.
Napier Barracks near Canterbury has faced criticism for its conditions. Will the Government address these concerns and consider closing this facility?
We are committed to providing suitable accommodation for asylum seekers, ensuring Napier Barracks is secure and meets covid compliance standards. We work closely with local authorities to address concerns.
Assessment & feedback
Under Review
Response accuracy
Q9 Partial Answer
Context
The Home Secretary is asked about planned legislation to manage unauthorised Traveller encampments, with a request for reassurance regarding its impact on individuals seeking temporary stays.
Workington faces significant issues with illegal Traveller camps. Can you update me on new legislation and assure that it will not unfairly target groups who wish to spend time in nature?
The proposed legislation aims to tackle issues caused by unauthorised camps while providing reassurances that it will not unfairly impact individuals and small groups.
Assessment & feedback
Under Review
Response accuracy
Q10 Partial Answer
Context
Organisations report that vaccine misinformation is spreading among asylum seekers and refugees, creating concerns about vaccination rates in these communities.
Organisations working with asylum seekers and refugees are reporting that vaccine misinformation is spreading among those communities. How is the Home Office working to counter that misinformation, and what steps have been taken to ensure that accurate information on vaccines is available in refugees' and asylum seekers' native tongues?
We are working across Government to ensure that the right information is being put out. Refugees have access to medical help and support, which includes accurate information on vaccines. Everyone should take the jab when their turn comes and ignore misinformation.
Assessment & feedback
Specific steps taken or planned to counter vaccine misinformation in refugees' native languages were not addressed
Response accuracy
Q11 Partial Answer
Stuart Anderson Con
South Shropshire
Context
The Member is running a campaign to raise awareness about support available for victims of crime. There are concerns that more needs to be done to assist these individuals.
I have been running a campaign in Wolverhampton to raise awareness of what support is available should people become victims of crime. I thank the Secretary of State for all the work she has done in our great city, but can she tell me what more can be done to provide support for these victims and ensure a safer Wolverhampton?
I thank my hon. Friend for his work with local groups, organisations and police on preventing crime. The police uplift, more officers, and record sums of cash into policing will go towards preventing crime and safeguarding victims.
Assessment & feedback
Specific measures to support victims of crime in Wolverhampton were not detailed
Response accuracy
Q12 Partial Answer
Bill Esterson Lab
Sefton Central
Context
Reports of travelers entering the UK via Dublin show potential loopholes in quarantine arrangements. There is concern about new variants entering the country.
Today's reports of hundreds of travellers coming from the United Arab Emirates via Dublin show loopholes in the existing quarantine arrangements. Why are next week's new quarantine arrangements not plugging all those loopholes and making sure that everyone who comes here, from whichever country, is covered?
All measures are under review. Colleagues across Government are implementing hotel quarantine policy and ensuring compliance at ports and airports.
Assessment & feedback
Comprehensive coverage of quarantine rules for travelers entering via Dublin was not addressed
All Measures Are Under Review
Response accuracy
Q13 Partial Answer
Context
The area of Stoke-on-Trent is facing pressure from a high influx of asylum seekers. The Member seeks to address this issue.
In Stoke-on-Trent, one in every 250 people is now an asylum seeker, putting disproportionate pressure on local services. What is my right hon. Friend's Department doing through Operation Oak to ensure that genuine refugees are proportionately spread?
My hon. Friend and I have spoken about this previously, recognising the pressures in his constituency. We are implementing a recovery programme working with Public Health England for movement out of contingency accommodation.
Assessment & feedback
Specific actions through Operation Oak to spread asylum seekers were not detailed
Response accuracy
Q14 Partial Answer
Context
A survey by the Union of Shop, Distributive and Allied Workers reports alarming levels of abuse and attacks on shop workers during the pandemic. The Member seeks legislative protection.
The Home Secretary must have seen the survey by the Union of Shop, Distributive and Allied Workers of attacks on shop workers in 2020. Of the 2,700 surveyed, 88% had suffered verbal abuse, 61% had been threatened by a customer and 9% had been attacked. When will the Government bring forward legislation to protect shop workers?
We saw the most appalling abuse and attacks on shop workers during the pandemic. We are working with Government colleagues, ensuring that this type of violence is not tolerated and employers do everything possible to protect shop workers.
Assessment & feedback
Specific timeline for legislative action was not provided
Working With Government Colleagues
Response accuracy
Q15 Partial Answer
Context
There is increasing concern about cyber-crime as more aspects of life move online, including phishing and vaccination scams.
At the same time that many elements of our lives have moved online, so too has crime. From emails phishing for online banking details to covid-19 vaccination scams, cyber-criminals are using increasingly diverse and sophisticated methods to steal our details, take out money and put us in danger. Can my right hon. Friend outline her Department's latest intentions to tackle cyber-crime and keep us all safe?
We see criminality manifesting itself and reinventing itself during the pandemic. We now have a new national cyber-security strategy supported by almost £2 billion of investment, bolstering police and law enforcement response.
Assessment & feedback
Specific intentions for tackling cyber-crime were not detailed
Response accuracy
Q16 Partial Answer
Grahame Morris Lab
Easington
Context
The new fixed rosters imposed on Border Force staff at Heathrow led to a 96% yes vote in a strike action ballot by the Public and Commercial Services Union due to poor working conditions.
I am concerned that the new fixed rosters imposed on Border Force staff at Heathrow are not working, with staff describing them as shambolic and not covid-safe. Will the Home Secretary assure the House she will advise management to return to previous roster systems and work constructively with the trade union to agree on a package of measures?
We always work constructively with the PCS union on Border Force staff protection. The rosters were changed to enhance covid-compliance measures and fairness, but we are committed to working further with the union to protect Border Force staff who interact daily with the public.
Assessment & feedback
The Home Secretary did not explicitly address returning to previous rostering methods or providing a package of safety measures as requested.
Response accuracy
Q17 Partial Answer
Andrew Bowie Con
West Aberdeenshire and Kincardine
Context
The progress of determining new nationwide operators for the seasonal agricultural workers scheme is under review.
What progress has been made on determining new nationwide operators of the Seasonal Agricultural Workers Scheme?
We are working with DEFRA to roll out the scheme with seasonal agricultural worker providers. We will provide a written update to the hon. Member due to his interest in this matter.
Assessment & feedback
The Home Secretary did not provide specific details on the progress made or names of new operators, only that they are working with DEFRA and will supply a written update.
Response accuracy
Q18 Partial Answer
Context
The British National Overseas (BNO) scheme has been launched recently, and there is interest in incorporating time spent under tier 4 or tier 5 visas for current UK-based Hongkongers.
Will the Home Office exercise discretion and flexibility by including time spent under Tier 4 or Tier 5 visas when applying for the BNO scheme?
We are working with civil society organisations to ensure that the bespoke humanitarian route works well. We will engage with NGOs and civil society to make sure we do not miss people applying for the BNO scheme.
Assessment & feedback
The Home Secretary did not provide a direct commitment on exercising discretion or flexibility in visa times, only that they are working to ensure the route works well.
Response accuracy
Q19 Partial Answer
Liz Saville-Roberts PC
Dwyfor Meirionnydd
Context
Planning permission for asylum seekers' temporary accommodation at Penally in Pembrokeshire is set to expire by the end of March, and local consultation on its future has been requested.
With planning permission due to run out at the end of March for asylum seeker accommodation at Penally, can the Home Secretary confirm full community consultation on the camp's future and cessation of new transfers?
This is an important point, but I am disappointed by colleagues not supporting asylum accommodation when many local authorities do not co-operate. We consult with everyone, including local communities.
Assessment & feedback
The Home Secretary did not confirm the consultation on the camp's future or cessation of new transfers as requested, instead criticizing those opposing the asylum seekers' accommodation.
Criticising Opposition
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Q20 Partial Answer
Graham Stringer Lab
Blackley and Middleton South
Context
Greater Manchester police is in special measures, with the chief constable on gardening leave. Victims of crime are at risk due to poor information flow.
With Greater Manchester police in special measures, can the Home Secretary confirm when she expects to receive critical information from them about improvements?
It is an appalling situation. The Mayor has the responsibility to ensure that Greater Manchester police act immediately on the force's improvement plan, and my hon. friend has been working diligently with the deputy mayor and acting chief constable.
Assessment & feedback
The Home Secretary did not provide a specific timeline for receiving information but acknowledged the situation and actions taken by her colleagues.
Response accuracy