Contributions
561 recent contributions in Hansard
HANSARDSafety of Rwanda (Asylum and Immigration) BillI respectfully agree with the noble Baroness that it is important to look at such matters with caution. In relation to the figures which she cites, the statistics concerning…12 Feb 2024HANSARDSafety of Rwanda (Asylum and Immigration) BillMy Lords, I do not wish to enter into a matter that lies outwith my department and sphere of responsibility at this hour. With the noble Lord’s permission, we shall write. Having…12 Feb 2024HANSARDSafety of Rwanda (Asylum and Immigration) BillThere are a number of points that I could address there. As for the matter of me as a Minister showing ankle—the noble Baroness of course speaks metaphorically—I found it as…12 Feb 2024HANSARDSafety of Rwanda (Asylum and Immigration) BillThe noble and learned Lord will not be surprised to hear that I do not have the figure to hand, but I imagine it is readily available from Westlaw. The noble Lord, Lord Hannay,…12 Feb 2024HANSARDSafety of Rwanda (Asylum and Immigration) BillI do not think that that is the case. I think that by saying that Rwanda is continuing to work on a process is to say that it is working on making things safer—not that they are…12 Feb 2024HANSARDSafety of Rwanda (Asylum and Immigration) BillPeople cannot be refouled to a different country under this treaty. They can be sent back to the United Kingdom; that is as far as it goes.12 Feb 2024HANSARDSafety of Rwanda (Asylum and Immigration) BillMy Lords, the Government enter into diplomatic arrangements such as treaties with other countries on behalf of the Government, the people and the country of the United Kingdom.…12 Feb 2024HANSARDSafety of Rwanda (Asylum and Immigration) BillThe noble Lord is aware that, as I explained a moment ago, the provisions of the treaty will send people to the United Kingdom only. They will not and cannot be refouled under the…12 Feb 2024HANSARDSafety of Rwanda (Asylum and Immigration) BillMore than a few weeks ago, I think, but what we have is an internationally binding treaty between two sovereign states. That—if the noble and learned Lord will bear with me—is of…12 Feb 2024HANSARDSafety of Rwanda (Asylum and Immigration) BillAnother noble Lord is perhaps too ready to disparage the activities and views of the Rwandan Government. As to the first point, paragraph 54 of the Constitution Committee’s…12 Feb 2024HANSARDSafety of Rwanda (Asylum and Immigration) BillIt is not a matter of being ready in an instant. The work is being undertaken. The point is that we have a specific treaty commitment not to refoul. As the noble and learned Lord…12 Feb 2024HANSARDAsylum Seekers: ConvictionsMy Lords, the Nationality and Borders Act 2022 strengthened existing legislation and reduced the criminality threshold. From 28 June 2022, anyone convicted of a particularly…08 Feb 2024HANSARDAsylum Seekers: ConvictionsMy Lords, all applications will be treated on a case-by-case basis. The situation the noble Baroness described is one in which the individual circumstances will rule.08 Feb 2024HANSARDAsylum Seekers: ConvictionsMy Lords, there are several reasons why a decision may be overturned at appeal, including new evidence that was not available to asylum caseworkers. Where a crime has been…08 Feb 2024HANSARDAsylum Seekers: ConvictionsMy Lords, any foreign national convicted of a crime and given a prison sentence is considered for deportation at the earliest opportunity. Under the legislation to which the noble…08 Feb 2024HANSARDAsylum Seekers: ConvictionsMy Lords, I undertake to write on the review to which the noble Lord adverted, not having the details of its scope and progress to hand as yet. I should have said that I will also…08 Feb 2024HANSARDAsylum Seekers: ConvictionsMy Lords, I have already spoken on the nature of baptism, and I hope that what I said corresponds with the views of the right reverend Prelate on the matter. All asylum claims are…08 Feb 2024HANSARDAsylum Seekers: ConvictionsI am very grateful to the noble Baroness for her comment. It is important for us all to reflect on the fact that, wicked and despicable though this action was, it is not…08 Feb 2024HANSARDAsylum Seekers: ConvictionsMy Lords, progress is being made. In the year ending September 2023, there were 5,506 enforced returns, an increase of 54% on the previous year. In that cohort, foreign national…08 Feb 2024HANSARDAsylum Seekers: ConvictionsI am obliged to my noble friend for his question. First, I emphasise that it is not Home Office policy that dictates the return of persons to Afghanistan; rather, it is our…08 Feb 2024