Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Illegal Migration

Monday 27 November 2023 · 5 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 5 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Government has a plan to tackle illegal migration through cooperation with international partners, dismantling criminal gangs, and reforming the asylum system.
  • The Home Office aims to ensure illegal immigrants are sent back under a clear legal framework, including a treaty with Rwanda.
  • The Rwanda scheme is crucial for reducing small-boat arrivals, and the government will work to implement it effectively.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Jack Brereton Con
Migrants & Borders
Context

The MP seeks to understand the steps being taken by the government to address illegal migration.

Question

What steps he is taking to tackle illegal migration. The Government have a plan, but details are requested on specific actions and their effectiveness compared to other European countries.

Answer from James Cleverly

The Government have a plan to tackle illegal migration by means of a number of methods, including working closely with international partners such as France, dismantling organised criminal gangs, and reforming the asylum system. Small-boat crossings are down compared with other countries in Europe.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not provide specific legal exemptions or assurances for Rwanda policy implementation.

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Q2 Miriam Cates
Asylum & Refugees Brexit
Context

Following a Supreme Court ruling, the Government proposed emergency legislation to address issues in the judgment. The MP seeks clarity on how the proposed new treaty will establish British sovereignty over international treaties.

Question

Does my right hon. Friend agree that the new legislation must be clear and unambiguous in establishing that the sovereign will of this Parliament takes legal precedence over the interpretation of international treaties and principles?

Answer from James Cleverly

The excellent working relationship with Rwanda will give us a treaty that addresses issues in the Supreme Court judgment. The legislation accompanying the treaty must make it clear that illegal immigrants will be sent back, and we are committed to making this happen.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not fully address the legal clarity of the sovereignty over international treaties.

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Q3 Jack Brereton Con
Asylum & Refugees
Context

The MP seeks assurances on enabling the delivery of the Rwanda policy and introducing necessary legal exemptions to ensure flights can start as soon as possible.

Question

Will my right hon. Friend give me a categorical assurance that he will do everything he can to enable us to deliver the Rwanda policy, introduce all necessary legal exemptions so we can get on with those flights as soon as possible?

Answer from James Cleverly

The Rwanda scheme is an extremely important part of our basket of responses. I will do everything to ensure that we drive down small-boat arrivals: that is the promise we have made to the British people, and that is the commitment I will deliver.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not provide specific assurances or legal exemptions for the Rwanda policy.

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Q4 Valerie Vaz Lab Walsall and Bloxwich
Immigration
Context

The MP seeks information on the number of legacy backlog cases resulting from illegal migration, specifically whether they have been triaged.

Question

Can the Home Secretary say how many legacy backlog cases there are—if they have yet been triaged—and how many result from illegal migration?

Answer from James Cleverly

The historic backlog has been reduced by 65%, falling by more than 59,000 cases since the end of November 2022. We have recruited 2,500 asylum decision makers and increased the pace at which decisions are made tenfold.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not specify how many legacy backlog cases result from illegal migration or if triaged.

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Q5 Peter Grant SNP
Asylum & Refugees
Context

The MP questions whether the Home Office and Government act within international law regarding the status of asylum seekers.

Question

Is it the policy of the Home Office and this Government to act within international law or to act outwith it?

Answer from James Cleverly

The hon. Gentleman makes reference to the refugee convention, but his definition is only accurate if they come directly from a place of danger. France is not considered dangerous and it is our intention to act within the bounds of international law.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not provide clear policy on acting within international law without qualifying the MP's statement about refugee convention.

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