Commons Sense

House of Commons · Westminster Hall

Immigration Detention: Victims of Trafficking

27 April 2021 · 1 other contributor · 3,569 words

Opened by Richard Fuller Con North Bedfordshire

Responding minister: Not recorded

ImmigrationMigrants & BordersNHS

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Richard Fuller raised concerns about immigration detention: victims of trafficking in Westminster Hall. Response awaited from government.

Key points

  • Mr Fuller is concerned about changes to immigration detention policies affecting potential trafficking victims.
  • The Home Office report shows 89% of referred individuals received positive decisions, with 98% subsequently released.
  • Mr Fuller questions the downgrade of protections under new regulations, citing concerns from Medical Justice.

Key requests to Government

Mr. Fuller asks the Minister why he wants to make changes that may increase the likelihood of detaining potential victims of trafficking and modern-day slavery. He requests confirmation that a consultation was held prior to laying the statutory instrument and which organizations were consulted. Mr. Fuller also seeks clarity on whether the new regulations are against the government's stated aim to protect victims, and he asks about specific recommendations from inspections that have been implemented.

How the debate unfolded

MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said.

Opened the debate

Richard Fuller Con North Bedfordshire

Mr. Fuller is concerned about the changes to immigration detention policies, particularly regarding potential victims of trafficking and modern-day slavery. He cites a Home Office report that indicates 89% of individuals referred through the national referral mechanism after being detained received positive reasonable grounds decisions, with 98% subsequently released from detention. The Independent Anti-Slavery Commissioner's letter notes significant variation in rejection rates for detention due to AAR status. Mr. Fuller also mentions a Home Office consultation that did not include the Independent Anti-Slavery Commissioner and raises concerns about the downgrade of protections under the new regulations as stated by Medical Justice. He highlights the Royal College of Psychiatrists' report on detention, noting its opposition to detaining individuals with mental disorders.

Other contributors (1)
  • Sheryll Murray Con Bilston

    I remind Members that there have been some changes to normal practice in order to support the new hybrid arrangements. As there are only two Members here, I will just remind them that Mr Speaker has stated that masks should be worn in Westminster Hall.

Get updates like this by email
▸ Assessment & feedback
Summary accuracy