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Deportation of Foreign National Offenders
07 February 2024
Lead MP
Rachel Maclean
Redditch
Con
Responding Minister
Michael Tomlinson
Tags
ImmigrationAsylum & Refugees
Word Count: 9669
Other Contributors: 7
At a Glance
Rachel Maclean raised concerns about deportation of foreign national offenders in Westminster Hall. A government minister responded.
Key Requests to Government:
Ms Maclean asks the Minister to explain why there is a downward trend in FNO deportations, what steps are being taken to address it, how many FNOs have been granted asylum after sentencing for crimes, and whether current arrangements allowing those sentenced for less than twelve months to claim asylum should be reconsidered.
How the Debate Unfolded
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said:
Lead Contributor
Ms Maclean is concerned about the increasing number of foreign national offenders (FNOs) in the UK, citing a rise to nearly 12,000 FNOs from just over 4,000 in 2012. She highlights that while the number of FNOs has increased, the number of enforced returns has decreased significantly. Ms Maclean also mentions the issue of asylum seekers claiming religious conversion as a reason to avoid deportation and cites specific cases where individuals have exploited this loophole.
Alison Thewliss
SNP
Glasgow Central
Ms Thewliss referenced a passage from Leviticus to emphasise treating individuals with compassion and respect. She acknowledged the need for accountability in cases of serious crime but highlighted instances where deportation would lead to execution, citing specific examples of her constituents facing such situations. She also mentioned Stephen Shaw's review, which identified failures by the Home Office and raised ethical concerns about deporting individuals who have grown up in the UK with no ties or language skills in their country of origin.
Jim Shannon
DUP
Strangford
Expressed concerns about the perception that converting to Christianity could be seen as a criminal act, stressing the importance of respecting the law and ensuring justice for those who break it. Emphasised the need for foreign nationals to adhere to UK laws or face deportation, highlighting statistics showing 10,321 foreign nationals in prison across England and Wales in June 2023.
Jonathan Gullis
Con
Stoke-on-Trent North
He expressed anger at the Church of England and Archbishop Justin Welby for allowing individuals to convert to Christianity as a means to avoid deportation. He cited a leaked document that suggested people do not attend church after their application is granted, highlighting abuse of the system by Labour MPs who signed a letter opposing deportation.
Kenny MacAskill
SNP
Glasgow East
Mr MacAskill emphasised the importance of public punishment and deportation for foreign nationals who commit serious crimes, but also highlighted the need for rehabilitation and support upon release. He cited a case where an Australian citizen was deported to Scotland without family connections or support, leading him to become homeless and isolated. Mr MacAskill argued that such individuals should not necessarily be deported if they do not have the necessary familial ties in their home country.
Priti Patel
Con
Witham
Priti Patel highlighted her role as a former Home Secretary, overseeing the removal of around 12,000 foreign national offenders (FNOs), despite challenges from the pandemic and opposition. She promoted the 'prison-to-plane' approach to expedite deportation and stressed the importance of deporting FNOs for public safety reasons. Patel criticised organisations supporting deported individuals who had committed serious crimes, stating that such actions undermine public confidence in justice.
Simon Clarke
Con
Newton Abbot
He agreed with Jonathan Gullis's concerns and emphasized the need for the Opposition to acknowledge that they were wrong in signing letters opposing the deportation of foreign national offenders. He argued that failing to address such cases undermines Britain's moral right to advocate for balanced immigration.
Stephen Kinnock
Lab
Aberafan Maesteg
The MP highlighted the Conservative government's failure to remove foreign criminals, noting a 34% decrease in removals since 2010 and 8,786 foreign national offenders not being detained. He criticised the Home Office for failing to track cases effectively and blamed the minister for diplomatic failures in ensuring voluntary returns.
Government Response
Michael Tomlinson
Government Response
Paid tribute to Rachel Maclean for initiating the debate and acknowledged the importance of a firm approach towards foreign nationals who commit crimes. He noted that over 16,500 foreign national offenders were removed between January 2019 and September 2023, with an increase of 19% in the past year. Emphasised the Government's commitment to deporting FNOs through measures such as increasing the relevant period under the Nationality and Borders Act and boosting caseworkers for more effective removal processes.
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About Westminster Hall Debates
Westminster Hall debates are a chance for MPs to raise important issues affecting their constituents and get a response from a government minister. Unlike Prime Minister's Questions, these debates are more in-depth and collaborative. The MP who secured the debate speaks first, other MPs can contribute, and a minister responds with the government's position.