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Legal and Illegal Migration: Suspension

10 March 2025

Lead MP

Dave Robertson
Lichfield
Lab

Responding Minister

Dan Jarvis

Tags

ImmigrationMigrants & BordersBusiness Compliance
Word Count: 19403
Other Contributors: 9

At a Glance

Dave Robertson raised concerns about legal and illegal migration: suspension in Westminster Hall. A government minister responded.

Key Requests to Government:

The petition calls for a temporary halt to all immigration, both illegal and legal, for five years as a response to the current situation. The debate aims to address these concerns in detail without dismissing the contributions of migrants or polarising views on immigration.

How the Debate Unfolded

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

Lead Contributor

Lichfield
Opened the debate
The petition e-petition 700824 received 219,000 signatures expressing concerns over the rapid rise of immigration in Britain. The petitioner and many voters are worried that migration figures have grown too quickly, with net migration since 2021 reaching unprecedented levels, well above pre-pandemic estimates.

Government Response

Dan Jarvis
The Minister for Security
Government Response
Acknowledges the debate initiated by the Petitions Committee and expresses gratitude towards the MP for introducing the topic in a sensible manner. However, the minister does not provide specific details regarding ILR extensions or plans to address immigration volumes. Discussed legal migration levels, illegal migration challenges, border security command, cooperation with partners, illegal working visits, removals, clearing the asylum backlog, Border Security, Asylum and Immigration Bill. Addressed the petition's suggestion to suspend all immigration for five years by emphasizing secure borders and fair effective policies.
Assessment & feedback
Summary accuracy

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.