Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Small Boat Channel Crossings

Monday 21 February 2022 · 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

  • Ellie Reeves asked the Minister about the Royal Navy's role in tackling small boat channel crossings.
  • Ellie Reeves questioned the effectiveness of the Government's spending on deals with French authorities and naval vessels.
  • The Minister acknowledged the need for safe routes and engagement with French authorities but emphasized the necessity of robust measures in the channel.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Ellie Reeves Lab Lewisham West and East Dulwich
Migrants & Borders Defence
Context

The question arises from the ongoing issue of migrants using small boats to cross the English Channel, despite significant expenditures by the Government.

Question

What role does the Royal Navy have in tackling migrants crossing the channel in small boats?

Answer from James Heappey

I refer the hon. Lady to my response to Question 3.

Not addressed: The question was not directly answered, instead referred to another question without providing specific details or clarification on the role of the Royal Navy.

How: Referred To Another Question

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Q2 Ellie Reeves Lab Lewisham West and East Dulwich
Migrants & Borders
Context

The Government has spent over £200 million on deals with the French authorities and almost £800,000 on two Navy vessels to tackle migrant crossings. Despite this, no boats have been intercepted, and push-back tactics are being insisted upon despite the Navy's refusal.

Question

Given that the Government has spent over £200 million on deals with French authorities and almost £800,000 on two naval vessels without intercepting a single boat, and now insisting on unenforceable push-back tactics, what will be done to open safe routes of passage, meaningfully engage with French authorities, and implement a proper plan against people smuggling?

Answer from James Heappey

I am not sure that those elements are mutually exclusive. I absolutely agree with what the hon. Lady said at the end of her question—her suggestions for a solution—but I think that the measures she advocates must sit alongside a robust and resilient effort in the channel to ensure that even when they are in place, we are still able to protect our borders and stop people landing here on their own terms.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The specifics of implementing safe routes and meaningful engagement with France were not addressed, instead focusing on broader efforts in the channel.

How: Agreed With Suggestions But Did Not Commit To Specific Actions

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