Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
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Context
The question stems from concerns about the low number of enforced removals compared to previous years, and the need for more effective measures.
What steps her Department is taking to deport foreign national offenders. I am concerned about the significant decrease in enforced removals to 5,208 in the year to June 2020 from higher numbers previously.
Removing people who should not be here is vital to maintain the integrity of our immigration system. Removing dangerous foreign national offenders is crucial for protecting citizens, and proposals will soon reform the system to better enforce immigration rules.
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Assessment & feedback
The specific steps being taken or proposed are not detailed beyond mentioning future reforms.
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
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Context
The question arises from the plans for a new secure facility in Hassockfield, which is intended to house foreign criminals while awaiting deportation.
My North West Durham constituents want genuine refugees to be supported and foreign criminals and bogus asylum seekers deported. Will the Minister confirm that the Hassockfield site will be a secure facility with around 80 females detained for as short a time as possible, and that recruitment for local jobs will start soon? Finally, will he ignore Labour activists who want open borders and ensure foreign criminals without right to stay are deported quickly?
My hon. Friend is right: when people have valid asylum claims, we should look after them; those without rights will be deported. The Hassockfield centre is for 80 female detainees and a secure facility. Local jobs will be created, only those with no right to stay will be there. I condemn the local Labour party against proper border controls.
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Assessment & feedback
The answer avoids detailed specifics about job creation timelines or detention duration beyond confirming the site's nature and intent.
Response accuracy
Q3
Direct Answer
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Context
The question addresses frustrations with legal delays in the deportation process, particularly after prison sentences are served.
My hon. Friend will know of frustration when violent foreign national criminals leave prison for deportation, only for lawyers to frustrate the process late. Will he bring forward proposals to prevent such actions and ensure dangerous criminals are deported at the end of their criminal convictions?
My hon. Friend is right: dangerous criminals, including murderers and rapists, should be deported once their sentence is over. Legal challenges often come late despite previous opportunities; most—over 80%—are without merit. The Home Secretary and I will bring forward proposals to address this issue.
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Assessment & feedback
null
Response accuracy
Q4
Partial Answer
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Context
The question concerns the government's performance in removing dangerous foreign nationals, noting an increase in numbers living freely and a decrease in those deported.
Under this Government, the number of foreign criminals living freely exceeds 10,000 for the first time ever, while deportations fell to record lows. Yet no figures exist on rearrests of previously charged terrorist suspects. Does that not show how weak the government's record is and their incompetence? It's unacceptable when it comes to safety.
Given the shadow Minister's new-found concern about deporting foreign national offenders, we will find out if his actions match rhetoric when voting on legislation. Why did Labour MPs oppose a charter flight in December to deport dangerous foreign nationals?
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Assessment & feedback
The response changes subject and attacks opposition rather than addressing the government's record.
Attacks
Response accuracy