Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Illegal Migration

Tuesday 12 March 2024 · 3 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 3 Not answered 0

Key points

  • The Department is taking diplomatic steps with France on a "whole of route" approach to reduce small boat crossings.
  • The partnership with France has helped to stop more than 26,000 small boat crossings in the previous year.
  • Discussions are ongoing with the devolved nations, including the Northern Ireland Assembly and the Police Service of Northern Ireland, to address illegal migration concerns.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Tom Hunt
Immigration Migrants & Borders Foreign Affairs
Context

The question addresses ongoing concerns about small boat crossings and the need for international cooperation.

Question

What diplomatic steps is his Department taking to help tackle illegal migration? Small boat crossings continue to be a massive concern for my constituents, many of whom point out that if those who illegally enter our country from France were returned on the same day, it would significantly reduce the problem. Has my right hon Friend discussed this with her French counterpart and why does France not accept them back on the same day?

Answer from Anne-Marie Trevelyan

We are engaging with international partners on a “whole of route” approach, including a multi-year operational plan with France to stop small boats. The partnership has helped bring down small boat arrivals; together we stopped more than 26,000 crossings last year.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The exact stance and discussions about immediate returns were not addressed in detail.

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Q2 Tom Hunt
Immigration Migrants & Borders
Context

Continued concerns over small boat crossings and the logic of same-day returns from France.

Question

My constituents raise significant concerns about small boat crossings. They argue that if those who enter illegally from a safe country like France were returned on the same day, this would greatly reduce the issue. My right hon Friend has discussed this with her French counterpart; why does France not accept them back immediately?

Answer from Anne-Marie Trevelyan

We continue to work collaboratively with our European partners, including France. Our partnership has been effective in reducing small boat arrivals; we stopped more than 26,000 crossings last year.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The specific stance on same-day returns was not addressed in detail.

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Q3 Jim Shannon DUP Strangford
Migrants & Borders Policing & Resources Northern Ireland
Context

Concerns over the need to patrol and police a land border in Northern Ireland.

Question

What discussions has she had with her counterparts in the devolved nations, particularly in the Northern Ireland Assembly and the Police Service of Northern Ireland, about tackling illegal migration? We have a land border that needs to be patrolled and policed.

Answer from Anne-Marie Trevelyan

We continue to engage across international fora to strengthen collaboration. I will ensure my colleague updates the hon Gentleman on the meetings they have had with the PSNI.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The specific content and outcomes of these discussions were not detailed.

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