Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Illegal Migration Bill: Devolved Administrations

Monday 3 July 2023 · 4 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

  • Chris Stephens raised concerns that the Illegal Migration Bill would restrict Scottish Ministers' powers regarding support for human trafficking victims.
  • The Minister responded that regular engagement with devolved Administrations has occurred since the Bill's introduction, including a recent meeting with the Scottish Minister for Equalities, Migration and Refugees.
  • Patrick Grady questioned why more power and financial means are not devolved to Scotland to welcome more refugees, given Glasgow's high refugee intake per head.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Chris Stephens SNP
Immigration Scotland
Context

The Illegal Migration Bill is under debate and has raised concerns about its impact on devolved administrations' powers, particularly concerning support services for victims of human trafficking.

Question

I am concerned that the Bill will restrict Scottish Ministers' powers by removing entitlements for victims of human trafficking to access government-funded support services. Why should Scotland's elected Parliament be forced down a path it clearly opposes?

Answer from Robert Jenrick

I have engaged regularly with devolved Administrations on the Bill since its introduction in March. The most recent meeting was with the Scottish Minister for Equalities, Migration and Refugees in May. The Bill will be discussed at an inter-ministerial group chaired by my right hon. and learned Friend the Home Secretary later this month.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The specific restrictions on devolved powers were not addressed directly

How: Changed Subject To Upcoming Meetings

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Q2 Chris Stephens SNP
Asylum & Refugees Scotland
Context

The SNP Government's accommodation rate for asylum seekers is significantly lower than the UK average, despite Scotland's population percentage.

Question

We know that Scotland has a different approach to the hostile environment ideology. Why should Scotland be forced down this route when it clearly opposes it?

Answer from Robert Jenrick

If the Scottish Government truly cared, they would accommodate more asylum seekers. For example, Clackmannanshire has zero asylum seekers accommodated by the SNP.

How: Changed Subject To Specific Local Authority Accommodation Rates

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Q3 Patrick Grady SNP
Asylum & Refugees Scotland
Context

Glasgow accommodates more refugees per capita than any other UK local authority, challenging the notion that Scotland is not welcoming.

Question

The Minister knows Glasgow takes more refugees per head than anywhere else in the UK. What action will he take to devolve power and financial means so Scotland can welcome more refugees?

Answer from Robert Jenrick

For good reason, immigration is reserved. Statistics show the SNP refuses to accommodate asylum seekers, making them hypocritical and irresponsible.

How: Changed Subject To Accusing Scotland Of Hypocrisy

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Q4 Patrick Grady SNP
Asylum & Refugees Scotland
Context

The SNP's policy on immigration and asylum seekers has been ruled unlawful, prompting calls for changes to improve the system.

Question

It is not our policies that have been ruled unlawful. To improve the system, there must be actions to clear backlogs, proper legal rights for arrival, and work rights upon arrival.

Answer from Robert Jenrick

The Home Office suggested a vessel used for Ukrainian refugees could also house other asylum seekers in Leith. The SNP rejected this suggestion.

How: Changed Subject To Specific Rejection Of Accommodation Offer

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