Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Asylum and Returns Policies

Wednesday 26 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 1 Partly answered 1 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Pete Wishart asked the Minister about discussions on the impact of UK asylum and returns policies on Scotland.
  • The Minister stated that immigration is a reserved matter and the Home Secretary outlined reforms to restore control, contribution, and fairness.
  • Chris Murray highlighted Scotland's welcoming approach towards people fleeing oppression from Ukraine and Hong Kong, contrasting it with the treatment of asylum seekers.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Pete Wishart SNP Perth and Kinross-shire
Asylum & Refugees Scotland
Context

The MP is concerned about the potential impact of UK's asylum policies on Scotland, specifically mentioning a population and demographic crisis that could be exacerbated by these policies.

Question

What discussions has he had with the Secretary of State for the Home Department on the potential impact of the UK’s asylum and returns policies on Scotland? This Government’s new policy marks a dark moment for many who have chosen Scotland to be their home, even leaving children born in Scotland at risk of deportation. We are facing a population and demographic crisis that this policy will only make 10 times worse, with huge impacts on our economy and social services.

Answer from The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Scotland (Kirsty McNeill)

Immigration is a reserved issue, but the Home Secretary outlined last week an asylum policy that will work for all parts of the United Kingdom. These reforms are sweeping and designed to restore control, contribution, and fairness to the system. Our country values being fair, tolerant, and compassionate, and this Government aims to uphold these principles.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The specific impact on Scotland was not addressed in detail, focusing instead on general policy goals.

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Q2 Chris Murray Lab Edinburgh East and Musselburgh
Asylum & Refugees Migrants & Borders
Context

The MP highlights the contrast between welcoming refugees from Ukraine and Hong Kong with minimal public outcry, compared to asylum seekers. The issue is further complicated by child drownings in the English Channel.

Question

In Scotland, there are four times as many people fleeing oppression from Ukraine and Hong Kong than asylum seekers. There has been no public outcry and they have been welcomed. That shows that Scotland is a generous country willing to play its part if the system is fair and controlled. Moreover, 14 children this year have drowned in the channel coming here. Does he agree that there is nothing progressive about not fixing a system where public support for refugees drains and children drown?

Answer from The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Scotland (Kirsty McNeill)

I am sure that the whole House will join me in remembering those children who have drowned in the channel, and I could not agree more with my hon. Friend. There is nothing progressive or humane about a system that incentivises people to take terrible risks. I commend my hon. Friend for all the work he has done with those seeking asylum and refuge over many years.

Answered

Not addressed: null

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