Topical Questions

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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.

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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?

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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?

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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?

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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?

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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?

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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?

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Napier Barracks near Canterbury has faced criticism for its conditions. Will the Government address these concerns and consider closing this facility?

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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?

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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?

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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?

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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?

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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?

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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?

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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?

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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?

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What progress has been made on determining new nationwide operators of the Seasonal Agricultural Workers Scheme?

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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?

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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?

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With Greater Manchester police in special measures, can the Home Secretary confirm when she expects to receive critical information from them about improvements?