Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Settlement: British National Overseas Route

Monday 17 November 2025 · 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

  • Yuan Yang asked the Minister to acknowledge the contributions of Hong Kong BNOs in Reading.
  • The Minister responded by affirming recognition of the contributions from the Hong Kong community and stated the government is listening to their views on the route to settlement.
  • Gideon Amos raised concerns about the exploitation of migrants in illegal trading activities in Station Road.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Yuan Yang Lab Earley and Woodley
Immigration Asylum & Refugees
Context

The MP referred to the British National Overseas (BNO) visa holders who seek refuge in the UK. She highlighted that many BNOs have lived and worked in Reading for years, enriching local communities.

Question

Reading is proud to be a town of many immigrant diasporas, including Hong Kong BNOs seeking refuge there. Many of my constituents have lived and worked hard in our community for years, putting down roots as my parents did when I was a child. Will the Minister acknowledge the contributions of immigrant families who enrich towns like mine, when making policy about settlement periods?

Answer from The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for the Home Department (Mike Tapp)

Absolutely. Across the board we recognise the contribution from migrant communities, and specifically the Hong Kong community. We are listening to their views about the route to settlement, and will continue to do so.

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Q2 Gideon Amos Lib Dem Taunton and Wellington
Immigration Policing & Resources Employment
Context

The MP raised concerns about the exploitation of immigrants for illegal trading activities, citing local businesses' frustration when police raids on such premises do not result in closures.

Question

The case for legal migration and those genuinely seeking asylum is undermined by evidence that businesses in Station Road are using and exploiting migrants to carry out illegal trading. Local businesses are shocked and frustrated when the police raid these premises, but they remain open and continue trading. Will the Government consider bringing forward legislation to provide for the immediate closure of illegally trading shops?

Answer from The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for the Home Department (Mike Tapp)

We take extremely this seriously in the Home Office, but it is out of control after the previous Government left us with a broken system. That is why in just over a year and a half we have increased arrests by 50% and visits by 64%—the highest in British history—and we will continue on that route.

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