Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Refugee Convention 1951

Monday 25 April 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 2 Not answered 0

Key points

  • The Nationality and Borders Bill defines key provisions of the 1951 refugee convention.
  • In developing the policy, the Government considered factors such as law in other jurisdictions, case law, and academic works.
  • The Government will act in accordance with international obligations as interpreted by Parliament under the Vienna convention.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Carol Monaghan SNP
Asylum & Refugees
Context

The effectiveness of the Government's implementation of the 1951 refugee convention is under scrutiny.

Question

What recent assessment has been made of the effectiveness of the Government's implementation of the 1951 refugee convention?

Answer from Tom Pursglove

Part 2 of the Nationality and Borders Bill defines the key provisions of the refugee convention. In developing this policy we have considered factors such as the law in other jurisdictions, case law and academic works. All provisions of the Bill, as well as our asylum policy framework, are a good-faith, effective interpretation of the refugee convention and are compatible with it.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not provide a recent assessment or specific evaluation of effectiveness

How: We Have Considered Factors Such As The Law In Other Jurisdictions, Case Law And Academic Works

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Q2 Carol Monaghan SNP
Asylum & Refugees
Context

Lord Brown has said that several provisions of the Nationality and Borders Bill flagrantly breach our obligations as interpreted by the UNHCR, and he has tabled an amendment to ensure compliance with the convention.

Question

The Nationality and Borders Bill as it stands does not comply with the 1951 refugee convention. Lord Brown has said of the Bill that several provisions flagrantly breach our obligations as interpreted by the UNHCR. Will the Minister confirm that the Government will support Lord Brown's amendment?

Answer from Tom Pursglove

I thank the hon. Lady for raising that point. Under the Vienna convention, it is for Parliament to interpret our international obligations. We will always act in accordance with our international obligations; we have made that consistently clear. The Bill has been through appropriate due diligence, and we will get on and deliver it.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not confirm support or reject Lord Brown's amendment

How: Under The Vienna Convention, It Is For Parliament To Interpret Our International Obligations, We Will Always Act In Accordance With Our International Obligations

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