Topical Questions 2020-11-09
2020-11-09
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
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Context
The MP noted the government's introduction of new national restrictions to stop coronavirus spread but highlighted concerns for vulnerable people and victims of domestic abuse.
I agree that the new national restrictions this Government have introduced are absolutely necessary to stop the spread of coronavirus, but for vulnerable people and victims of domestic abuse it has not been an easy week. I have also had the great pleasure of meeting my local Barnardo's, which works with children who have witnessed domestic abuse at first hand and are therefore victims themselves.
My hon. Friend is absolutely right, and may I thank her for the conscientious way in which she has been raising this issue, but also tackling it locally? The support is out there. We continue to work with police forces across the country, which will continue to use the tools of law enforcement to go after abusers, but also to make sure that victims are protected.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not directly address the specific ask about waiting for justice or compensation
Acknowledging The Issue Without Specifics
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
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Context
The MP congratulated Joe Biden and Kamala Harris on their victory, highlighting the Windrush scandal where nine people have died waiting for compensation and only 12% of applicants received it.
Last week, we saw far more depressing news at home, where it emerged that at least nine people have died waiting for compensation for the Windrush scandal and just 12% of people who have applied have received compensation. Those figures are shameful. May I ask the Home Secretary what message she would send to those who are still waiting for justice?
I thank the shadow Home Secretary for raising the important issue of Windrush, and he will know of my own personal commitment, not just within the Department, to tackle the injustices that have taken place in the past. We continue to work specifically with those families, to make the claims and ensure that compensation is still paid out to families of claimants who have passed away.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not address specifics about targets or timelines for processing claims efficiently
Acknowledging The Issue But Not Providing Concrete Solutions
Response accuracy
Q3
Partial Answer
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Context
The MP recognized previous statements on Windrush and noted that the taskforce was established over two and a half years ago. Only 12% of applicants have received compensation, with many still waiting.
I recognise what the Home Secretary says, but the Windrush taskforce was set up more than two and a half years ago. Another five months have passed since June, when the Government promised that it was time for action, and the Home Secretary told the House that she had individual cases passing across her desk. Let me be clear: the Home Secretary will not regain trust on this issue unless the process starts delivering. Will she work to apply targets to the process, and give victims binding guarantees about how long claims will take?
I have been clear that we are absolutely determined, with conviction and commitment, to support those who have been affected by the whole Windrush scandal. This is not about targets; this is not just about cases. This is about people, and it is right that processes are in place.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not address the specific ask for targets or guarantees on processing times
Changing Subject To Focus On Process Rather Than Concrete Actions
Response accuracy
Q4
Partial Answer
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Context
The MP welcomed the efforts of his right hon. Friend to tackle cross-channel migrants but highlighted growing concerns among constituents.
I welcome the efforts of my right hon. Friend and her ministerial team to tackle cross-channel migrants, but she will be aware of growing concerns among our constituents. Can she give an assurance that if new legislation is required, it will be in place before next summer?
My hon. Friend is right to raise that question, and he heard the Minister with responsibility for immigration compliance speak about that issue today. Currently, our efforts are being undermined by people traffickers and issues of which my hon. Friend is well aware. We will bring forward legislation—I have been clear about that—to address problems in our asylum system.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not specify a timeline for when the new legislation would be implemented before next summer
Acknowledging Need For Legislation But Without Specific Timing
Response accuracy
Q5
Partial Answer
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Context
The MP agreed that new restrictions were necessary to stop coronavirus spread but expressed concerns for vulnerable people and victims of domestic abuse, citing her local Barnardo's work.
I agree that the new national restrictions this Government have introduced are absolutely necessary to stop the spread of coronavirus, but for vulnerable people and victims of domestic abuse it has not been an easy week. I have also had the great pleasure of meeting my local Barnardo's, which works with children who have witnessed domestic abuse at first hand and are therefore victims themselves.
My hon. Friend is absolutely right, and may I thank her for the conscientious way in which she has been raising this issue, but also tackling it locally? The support is out there. We continue to work with police forces across the country, which will continue to use the tools of law enforcement to go after abusers, but also to make sure that victims are protected.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not address specifics about waiting for justice or compensation
Acknowledging The Issue Without Specifics
Response accuracy
Q6
Partial Answer
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Context
The UK's SIS II system for exchanging information on persons of interest with EU countries will end after 1 January.
We have been told that the Government want to use Interpol databases as an alternative to the SIS II database after 1 January. Will the Home Secretary tell the House how many EU27 countries have agreed to upload all their information on wanted criminals, missing persons, and other crucial information on the SIS II database, onto the Interpol databases? How far will they have completed that task by 1 January? Can the Home Secretary guarantee the House that the police and Border Force will still be able to get access to that crucial criminal information?
In the absence of SIS II we will use Interpol channels to exchange information with EU member states on persons of interest. All incoming Interpol circulations, notices and diffusions are uploaded to UK border and policing systems.
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Assessment & feedback
The number of countries agreeing to upload data onto Interpol databases and the completion status by 1 January were not addressed
Did Not Directly Address
Response accuracy
Q7
Partial Answer
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Context
The Domestic Abuse Bill is currently under consideration in the House of Commons.
While I welcome the Domestic Abuse Bill, can the Minister reassure me that sufficient time and support will be provided for the police, local authorities and other services to prepare for their new duties and powers, so that they can offer victims the best possible protection and support?
I can absolutely give my hon. Friend that assurance. It is right that we support victims and work with the police to give them the tools they need to do so.
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Assessment & feedback
Specific details about time and resources were not provided
Did Not Directly Address
Response accuracy
Q8
Partial Answer
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Context
A pilot scheme for safe consumption spaces was recently launched, reducing health risks associated with drug use.
Last week I met Peter Krykant, whose pilot scheme for safe consumption spaces in Glasgow last month saw 74 protected injections take place over 40 hours, with zero blood-borne viruses transmitted, zero overdose deaths and 74 needs safely discarded. Will the Home Secretary agree with me that those figures appear to support the conclusion of the Scottish Affairs Committee that safe consumption spaces are proven to reduce the immediate health risks associated with problem drug use?
The hon. and learned Lady will know that the Policing Minister, working with the Department of Health and Social Care, has been working assiduously on our plans to deal with drug abuse. Those findings will come out in due course, but a great deal of work is being undertaken by this Government through the Dame Carol Black review.
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Assessment & feedback
Specific agreement or support for safe consumption spaces was not given
Did Not Directly Address
Response accuracy
Q9
Partial Answer
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Context
The UK faces threats from terrorists and hateful ideologies, such as Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps.
As we fight against the coronavirus, we must not forget about the other threats facing this country, including terrorists and the hateful ideologies that fuel them. Will my right hon. Friend update the House on what steps her Department is taking to crack down on terrorists and those who fuel hate, such as Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, so that they can no longer pose a threat to the public?
My hon. Friend is absolutely right to raise this concern. We are, of course, fully committed to tackling terrorism in all forms, and hateful ideologies as well.
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Assessment & feedback
Specific steps against terrorist threats were not detailed
Did Not Directly Address
Response accuracy
Q10
Partial Answer
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Context
Knife crime has increased significantly in Bedfordshire over the last four years, leading to public fear.
Over the last four years, knife crime in Bedfordshire has increased by 50%. In Luton North, I have parents who are scared for their children's safety. A few weeks' ago, at a litter pick in a local park, I found a knife as long as my arm. Can the Home Secretary tell the House if she has a strategy to combat the rise in knife crime and how she hopes to deliver it, given that her Serious Violence Taskforce has not even met this year?
The hon. Lady will be well aware that the Government are fully committed to serious violence reduction.
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Assessment & feedback
Specific strategy or meeting details were not provided
Did Not Directly Address
Response accuracy
Q11
Partial Answer
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Context
Cuckooing, where drug dealers take over the homes of vulnerable individuals for criminal activities.
In the recent half-term holiday, Sussex police stepped out across Eastbourne and Willingdon, my home constituency, to address antisocial behaviour. In the course of the operation, they uncovered an instance of cuckooing, where a vulnerable person had been targeted, exploited and their home used as a base for further criminal activity. Will my right hon. Friend join me in paying tribute to Sussex police for their excellent work in such challenging times, and update the House on what further work is being done to address this appalling crime?
My hon. Friend is absolutely right. I thank Sussex police.
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Assessment & feedback
Specific work plans were not detailed
Did Not Directly Address
Response accuracy
Q12
Direct Answer
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Context
Local authorities are eager to support more Syrian refugees but face bureaucratic hurdles.
In recent years, Cambridge has successfully resettled more than 100 Syrian refugees. The local authority nearby is keen to do more, but frequently runs into bureaucratic hurdles. Will the Secretary of State meet me and local representatives to smooth further resettlement?
Of course, the answer is absolutely yes. The hon. Gentleman will be very aware of the work the Government have done over recent years when it comes to resettling asylum seekers and refugees through our resettlement scheme.
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Assessment & feedback
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Q13
Partial Answer
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Context
The current business visa application process is considered overly technical and complicated.
Can we look at the visa application system for businesspeople coming to this country? For far too many it is far too technical. and it really does need a review.
My hon. Friend raises an important change that is coming through our points-based immigration system, with simplification coming into the system.
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Assessment & feedback
Specific timeline or details on streamlining were not provided
Did Not Directly Address
Response accuracy
Q14
Partial Answer
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Context
The British Nationality Act was amended in 2014 to allow children of British fathers who were born out of wedlock to claim citizenship, but this right has not been extended to the children of British overseas territories fathers. This oversight needs rectification.
The British Nationality Act 1981 was amended in 2014 to do away with the outdated notion of illegitimate children and allow a retrospective right to claim a British father's citizenship by descent. However, the same right was not afforded to the children of British overseas territories fathers. It has been six and a half years since the Government stated their intent to remedy this oversight. What plans does the Home Secretary have to bring about a much needed change in the law?
The hon. Lady is right: that is a much needed change required in the law, and I will make further comments on this in due course.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not provide specific plans or timelines for legal amendment
In Due Course
Response accuracy
Q15
Direct Answer
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Context
During the November lockdown, vulnerable individuals and victims of domestic abuse face increased risk.
For many vulnerable people and victims of domestic abuse, it will not be an easy few weeks in November during the lockdown. Will my right hon. Friend update the House on what measures her Department has been taking to safeguard the most vulnerable people from abuse?
I refer my hon. Friend to the comments I made earlier. He will be well aware of the way in which we have empowered the police, who are going out there to ensure that victims are protected while at the same time going after the perpetrators of domestic abuse. My message is absolutely clear: if you are perpetrating abuse, the police will find you and come after you. We are putting more money and support into the system to protect the vulnerable, and we are asking those who are subject to domestic abuse to leave home and seek advice through many of the portals that we have stood up.
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Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q16
Partial Answer
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Context
Constituents with leave to remain have faced issues such as long delays for biometric cards, especially NHS workers. The Home Office's coronavirus team has provided inaccurate information.
Throughout the coronavirus, my constituents with leave to remain have faced a number of issues with the Home Office's coronavirus team, from NHS workers facing long delays for biometric cards to families stranded abroad with British children unable to return to school. My constituents and caseworkers have struggled to get accurate and up-to-date information from this apparently unaccountable team. Will the Secretary of State meet me to discuss this further?
Of course I will meet the hon. Lady. If she can give me the specific examples that she is referring to, I will look at them.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not provide a commitment to address issues immediately, only willingness to meet
Response accuracy
Q17
Direct Answer
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Context
The ASPEN card system is perceived to be financially and digitally excluding asylum seekers during the pandemic, making them feel that the hostile environment has not gone away.
I wonder whether the Home Secretary or one of her Ministers would be prepared to engage with some of the asylum support groups that I met recently in Glasgow to hear at first hand how they feel that the ASPEN—asylum support enablement—card system is financially and digitally excluding them during the covid virus pandemic and making them feel that the hostile environment has not gone away.
I have been speaking very regularly to people working with asylum seekers in Glasgow. Just last week, I spoke to Aileen Campbell, the Communities Secretary, and I have spoken—I think twice now—in recent weeks to the leader of Glasgow City Council. We are doing a great deal of work with those providing services to asylum seekers in Glasgow. We have managed to reduce the number of people accommodated in hotels from over 400 to about 200. It is regrettable that Glasgow City Council still has 600 people in hotel accommodation.
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Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q18
Partial Answer
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Context
The shadow Health Minister and Holly Lynch wrote to the Government asking why it was taking months to process one-year visa extensions promised to healthcare workers, leaving them without biometric residence permits.
I am eternally grateful to you for calling me, Mr Speaker. On 1 October, the shadow Health Minister and I wrote to our counterparts in Government asking why it was taking months to process the one-year visa extensions promised to healthcare workers, leaving them without their biometric residence permits, which is exposing this country's heroes to the hostile environment. We have not had a response to that letter, so I will ask again: now that we are in a second national lockdown, why was the visa extension scheme closed at the start of October and why are the permits taking so long to process, only compounding the pressures on healthcare professionals rather than alleviating them?
First, if the hon. Lady has not received a response, I will ensure that she receives one. The fact of the matter is that we are doing everything in our power to support the NHS heroes who have been working flat out throughout this coronavirus crisis, and there will be more activity on this front to come.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not address why scheme was closed or processing delays
Doing Everything In Our Power
Response accuracy
Q19
Partial Answer
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Context
Greater Manchester police officers are blowing the whistle on failures of the new iOPS system, which has released victims' names and addresses online.
Greater Manchester police officers keep blowing the whistle to the Manchester Evening News about the failures of the new computer system, iOPs—the integrated operational policing system. Her Majesty's inspectorate of constabulary has said that the system is putting vulnerable people at risk of harm. The system released the details of victims' names and addresses online earlier this year. The system is massively overspent. Has the Secretary of State made a recent assessment of the project?
As the hon. Gentleman is aware—he has referred to this—we have sent Her Majesty's chief inspector of constabulary, Tom Winsor, to look at what has been going within Greater Manchester policing with iOPS. The cases that we have seen and the inability to record crime data—the points that the hon. Gentleman has made—are clearly unacceptable. We are keeping it under review, and we will keep him and other hon. Members informed of the progress of the work that is being undertaken on this front.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not provide a concrete timeline or commitment to address specific issues with iOPs
Under Review
Response accuracy
Q20
Partial Answer
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Context
The Centre for Social Justice report “It Still Happens Here” estimates that 90,000 victims of modern slavery went unidentified under the previous lockdown.
The Centre for Social Justice report “It Still Happens Here” estimates that 90,000 victims of modern slavery went unidentified under the previous lockdown. Under the second lockdown, what proactive steps will the Government take to identify, rescue and protect victims of modern slavery?
I thank the hon. Lady for her really important question. She is right about the report published by the Centre for Social Justice. I am acutely aware, as are officials across the Department, of the scale of modern-day slavery. Much of it is underground, in the black economy, where people are captured and put into bonded labour. There is extensive work taking place in the Home Office and with law enforcement, and I would be very happy to share some of that work with the hon. Lady.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not provide specific proactive steps or measures
Response accuracy