Illegal Migration English Channel 2020-11-09
2020-11-09
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Direct Answer
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Context
The issue of migrants using small boats to cross the channel illegally, leading to tragic fatalities and dangerous conditions.
What steps her Department is taking to stop migrants crossing the English Channel illegally. The crossings are facilitated by reckless criminals, are unnecessary as France has a well-functioning asylum system, and lead to tragic fatalities last month. Why are these illegal crossings not being stopped?
Working with the French authorities to prevent embarkations from beaches, considering action at sea, and taking robust law enforcement measures leading to nearly 100 arrests this year. Two individuals were convicted last week for facilitating illegal crossings.
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Assessment & feedback
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Q2
Partial Answer
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Context
Questioning why people are choosing to leave France despite it being a safe country with a functioning asylum system.
Why does he think people want to leave France, even though it is a safe and civilised country where one can seek protection through its well-functioning asylum system?
A variety of motives likely include language barriers. People seeking protection should claim asylum in France, as it is a safe country with no reason to attempt dangerous crossings.
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Assessment & feedback
Avoids providing concrete reasons why people leave France
Response accuracy
Q3
Direct Answer
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Context
Concern about the worsening situation of migrant crossings leading to loss of life and concerns for coastal communities, as well as profiteering by people-trafficking gangs.
What progress is being made in preventing more crossings from France or stopping boats at sea and returning them? If migrants see they cannot enter Britain this way, fewer will attempt it. What steps are taken with French counterparts?
Working with the French to prevent embarkations through funding gendarmes who patrol beaches, successfully stopping nearly 5,000 crossings this year. Investigating action at sea if obvious that nobody can cross. Returning migrants under Dublin regulations; three flights this week will contain cross-channel migrants.
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Assessment & feedback
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Q4
Direct Answer
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Context
Request for confirmation of steps being taken with French counterparts to stop the small boats before they leave.
Does the Minister agree that preventing small boats from ever leaving European shores is the best way? What specific steps are being taken with French counterparts?
Agrees; funding additional gendarmes to prevent embarkations, supporting French efforts for safe accommodation, investigating action at sea. If crossings seem impossible, nobody will attempt them due to health and safety concerns and criminal gang prevention.
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Assessment & feedback
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Q5
Partial Answer
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Context
Discussion on the legality of crossing without a visa under international law and suggestions to focus on creating safe legal routes.
Extends sympathies to relatives of fatalities. Asylum entry without visas is not illegal per UNHCR advice, but crossings are irregular and unsafe. Would it be better to create safe legal routes for asylum seekers? Also asks about anti-lawyer rhetoric from the Home Secretary.
France is a safe country. Many asylum seekers use legal routes, and the UK has resettled 25,000 people directly from conflict zones over five years. Supports fighting vexatious legal claims appropriately.
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Assessment & feedback
Avoids addressing Home Secretary's anti-lawyer rhetoric
Response accuracy