Topical Questions

Question

If she will make a statement on her departmental responsibilities. I am concerned about antisocial behaviour involving vehicles in Carshalton and Wallington, including vandalism and dangerous driving. Can the Home Secretary provide an update on how the Home Office is addressing this issue?

Question

We very much welcome the Protect duty legislation. I join the Home Secretary in paying tribute to the families who have worked hard for this change. The annual threat update from the director general of MI5 highlights the serious threat from Iran to some UK residents. What are the Government doing to make it clear that the UK will not be a haven for individuals or money linked to the Iranian regime?

Question

Given that under the 1951 refugee convention, if no legal and safe routes are available it is illegal to arrest and detain an asylum seeker landing at Dover. Does the Minister agree that without achieving a temporary derogation for the convention, we will never solve the problem?

Question

May I ask the Home Secretary whether she will reflect on her comments about sending asylum seekers to Rwanda? She mentioned it being a 'dream' or an 'obsession', showing little sensitivity and compassion. Does this not undermine efforts to manage illegal migration?

Question

Last week the Prime Minister outlined measures to gain control over illegal migration. These included options to house potential asylum seekers differently. Does my right hon. Friend agree this will reduce pressure on communities like Middleton in my constituency?

Question

Notwithstanding the earlier contrary claim by the Immigration Minister, will the Home Secretary confirm that she fully respects the landmark 1999 ruling by the UK High Court—not some dodgy European ultra-woke ruling—in which it was confirmed that a short-term stopover en route to another country should not cause them to forfeit the right to claim asylum on arrival at a destination?

Question

I warmly welcome the legal ruling on the Rwanda plan, and also the reforms to the modern slavery system as part of the overall work to deter those involved in small boat crossings. Does the Home Secretary agree that another way of tackling the backlog would be to speed up the local authority pilot programme for processing claims relating to child victims of modern slavery, many of them vulnerable county lines drug gangs children? Would that not improve support for those children as well as helping to clear the backlog?

Question

The success rate of asylum applications from Afghanistan, Syria and Eritrea stands at 98%, and at over 80% for those from Sudan and Iran. Can the Minister commit to an accelerated decision process, especially for people from those countries?

Question

In Essex, our excellent police, fire and crime commissioner and I are concerned that out of 2,500 reported rape cases last year, only 70 were prosecuted. Can the Minister encourage the police to work more closely with secondary schools to ensure that girls who have been victims of rape know that their privacy and safety will be protected if they come forward to give evidence?

Question

When will the Home Secretary finally accept, rather than waffle about new laws, that the Home Office is a complete mess? Quite apart from the asylum shambles, people renewing their visas are waiting months or years. Then, they have to wait again to get their biometric residence permit card, if they get printed. Far too many people have lost holidays because of waits for passports. When will she get a grip of her Department?

Question

I welcome the Home Secretary's work with the Prime Minister on tackling illegal immigration and the statement last week. The statement talked about fairness; I think she knows very well that Stoke-on-Trent feels that it has not been treated fairly. The Minister mentioned that Scotland could take a few more asylum seekers if they were really concerned about these things. Other parts of the country could do the same.

Question

In the past decade it was normal to write to the Home Office about an immigration case and get a reply within six weeks. That went up to 10 to 12 weeks. It is now running at three to four months—not to get a decision, just an initial response. How sustainable is that?

Question

A great many of my residents raise with me the issue of cross-channel migration. Following this morning's High Court ruling, does my right hon. Friend agree that the Rwanda scheme, when it gets the green light, will be a fair scheme that will act as a deterrent and help to allay the concerns of Gedling residents?

Question

The production of industrial hemp in my constituency offers real promise and opportunity for crop diversification and soil improvement, but the growers are limited by Home Office rules. Can I invite the Home Secretary to come and discuss the matter with my farmers and ensure that the law is changed?

Question

How is the Home Office working with companies contracted to source and organise hotels for asylum seekers in rural areas, and is there day-to-day oversight?

Question

Will the Minister agree to look into this case on my behalf if I get the details to him today?

Question

Will the Home Secretary ask her officials to reconsider the proposals for siting up to 144 illegal immigrants in a hotel near this location?

Question

Can the Minister confirm that no citizen will require an electronic travel authorisation to travel within the United Kingdom?