Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Channel Crossings 2021-11-22 (2)

Monday 22 November 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 2 Not answered 0

Key points

  • The Nationality and Borders Bill includes measures to deter illegal crossings and protect lives.
  • The Home Secretary had a constructive conversation with the French Interior Minister to support efforts to stop all crossings.
  • Greater efforts have been made to disband camps around French beaches.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Philip Hollobone Con
Migrants & Borders
Context

The issue of illegal migrants using small boats to cross the Channel has been a significant concern. The question seeks clarity on preventive measures and recent diplomatic efforts with France.

Question

What steps are being taken to prevent and speed up the removal of illegal migrants using small boats? What recent representations have been made to the French counterpart regarding intercepting attempted crossings?

Answer from Tom Pursglove

Our Nationality and Borders Bill sets out comprehensive measures to deter illegal crossings, tackle criminal gangs responsible, and protect lives. All available options are being used to reduce crossing numbers. The Home Secretary had a constructive conversation with the French Interior Minister agreeing to accelerate joint efforts to prevent all crossings.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific details on recent representations made to the French counterpart were not provided.

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Q2 Philip Hollobone Con
Migrants & Borders Policing & Resources
Context

There have been concerns about the effectiveness of funding provided to France for equipment and technology aimed at intercepting small boat crossings. Recent images show large groups of migrants being waved across the Channel, raising questions about how funds are used.

Question

Given the tens of millions of pounds given to French authorities for equipment like night-vision gear, number plate recognition tech, and drones, is it not unacceptable that we see large groups of French police allowing boats with migrants to cross the Channel? Can we insist on proper use of funds to stop illegal crossings?

Answer from Tom Pursglove

The Home Secretary had a constructive conversation with the French Interior Minister last week, supporting efforts to stop 100% of crossings. The policing response on French beaches is integral, and there has been greater effort to disband camps around beaches.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific details on insisting proper use of funds were not provided.

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