Topical Questions

Question

I am concerned about the sickening racist abuse directed last night at our heroic England football team on social media. These young men represented our nation with pride and dignity, and we are proud of them and the fortitude they showed the country last night. I ask that the government condemn this racism unequivocally.

Question

I welcome the measures set out in the Nationality and Borders Bill, and the Home Secretary's ongoing commitment to finally getting a grip of our borders and stemming the flow of illegal immigrants across the channel. I ask whether the bill will include measures for the removal of migrants to offshore centres where they can be housed while their claims and appeals are being processed.

Question

I congratulate the England team on its fantastic achievements at the European championships. Those players have shown incredible skill and determination on and off the pitch, taking a stand against racism. Sadly, overnight Marcus Rashford, Jadon Sancho and Bukayo Saka have been subject to the most appalling racist abuse. The Home Secretary spoke about potential future action; has social media had long enough? What immediate action will be taken?

Question

We have waited years for the online harms Bill. The awful abuse continues; it is not contained to football but happens across society. Our footballers are using their platform to help millions desperate for change, yet change is slow. Resources must be allocated now for tracking down perpetrators and bringing them to justice. Will the Home Secretary confirm immediate forward movement on the online harms bill with tough sanctions against social media companies, including criminal penalties for executives?

Question

I am concerned about the vile racism targeted at young England footballers who have brought pride to our country. Will you confirm that you have spoken with the police to ensure they will do everything in their power to identify and charge those responsible?

Question

Jadon Sancho, Marcus Rashford, and Bukayo Saka faced significant racial abuse after the match. This has been visible to their fans for over 15 hours. I have contacted Instagram urging stronger action. Has the Home Secretary done so with other social media companies and will she now do it?

Question

I thank you for meeting Aid to the Church in Need tomorrow to discuss the Maira Shahbaz case. Does this not highlight the necessity of tackling illegal migration? For every illegal immigrant deported, we should accept one genuine asylum seeker.

Question

How can you defend criminalizing individuals fleeing torture, war crimes, or persecution as they seek our protection under your anti-refugee legislation?

Question

Prior to the pandemic, UK haulage businesses such as Owens Group employed about 600,000 heavy goods vehicle drivers. However, thousands of HGVs are parked up due to driver shortages; trainee numbers dropped by 63% last year. Will my right hon. Friend consider adding HGV drivers to the UK shortage occupation list?

Question

How many EU settled status applications have been refused or rejected where the passport holder applicant is a citizen of an EU member state, due the applicant's not having been born in that country?

Question

Changes to the law on abortion are among the most difficult issues that we consider, as seen last week. Does my right hon. Friend agree that when four royal colleges and the BMA call for change, we need to carefully listen to their views?