Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Refugee Rights: International Law

Thursday 16 September 2021 · 2 questions

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 0 Partly answered 1 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Anne McLaughlin questioned the Government's assessment of their asylum proposals in light of the UN's convention on the status of refugees and the rule of law.
  • The Attorney General stated that the UK is committed to its international obligations and that the Home Office's immigration plan is based on fairness.
  • The Government are exploring all options to address the rise in small boat crossings in the Channel.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Anne McLaughlin SNP
Asylum & Refugees
Context

The question arises from concerns about the compatibility of government proposals on asylum with international legal standards, specifically the UN's convention on the status of refugees and adherence to the rule of law.

Question

What recent assessment has been made of the Government's proposals on asylum in relation to (a) the UN's convention on the status of refugees and (b) the rule of law?

Answer from Suella Braverman

Any request for my advice is subject to the Law Officers' convention, but I must make it clear that the UK prides itself on its leadership within the international system and discharges its international obligations in good faith. The Home Office's new plan for immigration is based on fairness, and the Government stand by our moral and legal obligations to help innocent civilians fleeing cruelty from all over the world.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The answer does not provide a recent assessment or evaluation of compatibility with international standards as requested.

How: Pride In Leadership, Discharge Of International Obligations

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Q2 Anne McLaughlin SNP
Immigration Migrants & Borders
Context

The question follows concerns raised by the former Justice Secretary regarding the Home Secretary's plan to push back migrant children and their parents arriving by boats in the Channel, stating that such actions would not break international law.

Question

Given the number of leading UK legal experts who oppose the Home Secretary's plans, can the Attorney General reassure the House that she has not advised the Home Secretary that pushback plans would be either legal or moral?

Answer from Suella Braverman

The Government are committed to addressing the unacceptable rise in dangerous and unnecessary small boat crossings, and are continuing to explore all options available to bring the numbers down. Our primary focus is on preventing people from entering the channel, tackling the criminal gangs responsible and protecting lives.

Not addressed: The answer does not provide reassurance about legal or moral advice given for pushback plans.

How: Focus On Options To Bring Numbers Down, Preventing Entry Into Channel

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