Contributions
2,506 recent contributions in Hansard
HANSARDUK MigrationUnlike previous Governments, we are not setting a net migration target. We are trying to ensure—and our success in this was proved in my initial Answer to my noble friend—that we…09 Jul 2026HANSARDUK MigrationWith respect to the noble Lord, I prefer to tackle the problem from the other direction. I prefer to ensure, as the Government are trying to do now, that we speed up asylum…09 Jul 2026HANSARDEuropean Entry and Exit SystemThe Government are in constant dialogue with the European Union. We are working closely with European member states to ensure that the juxtaposed ports have the right technology…09 Jul 2026HANSARDEuropean Entry and Exit SystemThe system is operational. I have travelled to a European country in the last two months and had to ensure that my credentials were checked and established in the proper way. The…09 Jul 2026HANSARDEuropean Entry and Exit SystemThe noble Lord tempts me. It is not our responsibility and it is an EU scheme, but it is our problem if lorries and cars are backed up at Dover, if our citizens cannot get into a…09 Jul 2026HANSARDEuropean Entry and Exit SystemAgain, my noble friend tempts me. The operation of this scheme is one for the European Union. We have made a number of representations to see how we can make this more efficient…09 Jul 2026HANSARDEuropean Entry and Exit SystemIf there are problems in the system, they are not problems for the British but for any third-party nation. We just happen to be a third-party nation now and I imagine that it is…09 Jul 2026HANSARDUK MigrationNet migration increased from 2021 to record levels in 2023, reaching 944,000 at its peak. Since 2023, numbers have fallen substantially. Net migration fell to 171,000 by the end…09 Jul 2026HANSARDUK MigrationI cannot give the noble Baroness the exact figures on the appeals, but I will look into that and write to her. We are trying to ensure that we achieve accurate age assessment…09 Jul 2026HANSARDUK MigrationThat is a very important point, and knowing not just who arrives but who leaves is certainly a key issue. We are trying to modernise that infrastructure. In particular, we are…09 Jul 2026HANSARDUK MigrationI will certainly look at the report my noble friend has cited. I also want to place on record my thanks to and recognition of the value of all those who contribute to the National…09 Jul 2026HANSARDEuropean Entry and Exit SystemThe noble Baroness is right that, were we still a member of the European Union, this issue would not be a problem. She knows how I voted in the referendum and she knows that this…09 Jul 2026HANSARDEuropean Entry and Exit SystemThe operation of the EES is a matter for the European Community and its member states. There are different approaches, but my understanding now is that the European Union is…09 Jul 2026HANSARDEuropean Entry and Exit SystemThe noble Lord, as ever, is wise, moderate and considered. He makes points that I may share on behalf of the UK Government, but I say to him again that, sadly, we are where we are.09 Jul 2026HANSARDEuropean Entry and Exit SystemI hope my noble friend enjoys his holiday. We are trying to have no problems at any of the three juxtaposed ports. If he wants to, he can look at GOV.UK and the Foreign Office…09 Jul 2026HANSARDPolice Leadership Commission ReportThe noble Baroness makes a very interesting point on the discussions. I believe that promotions should be made on merit. They should be made on the skills and adaptations of…08 Jul 2026HANSARDPolice Leadership Commission ReportMy noble friend brings great experience from her role in the Civil Service Commission to the matter of recruiting individuals at a senior level. It is quite clear—the report makes…08 Jul 2026HANSARDPolice Leadership Commission ReportOn the latter point, we are hoping to publish the review as soon as possible. As the noble Lord will recognise, there are some things that the Government wish to announce but…08 Jul 2026HANSARDSafe Refugee Routes for StudentsMy Lords, the Government committed to three new safe and legal routes in the Restoring Order and Control Statement. The Home Secretary announced that the refugee study route will…08 Jul 2026HANSARDSafe Refugee Routes for StudentsWe intend to set out details of the scheme very shortly, which will, hopefully, provide clarity on what the Government are intending to do with the safe and legal routes. As my…08 Jul 2026