Contributions
2,176 recent contributions in Hansard
HANSARDChannel CrossingsMy right hon. Friend will be well versed in the work that we are doing through the Nationality and Borders Bill, which speaks to the points that he has been making about asylum,…22 Nov 2021HANSARDChannel Crossings in Small BoatsThe point about safe and legal routes is that they become the pathway to resettlement. The hon. Gentleman will be familiar with the Syrian resettlement regime, which a predecessor…22 Nov 2021HANSARDChannel Crossings in Small BoatsAs I have already stated, and the French authorities say this too, the majority—70%—are economic migrants. They are single men coming to the United Kingdom, and many of them—22 Nov 2021HANSARDChannel Crossings in Small BoatsLet me put my hon. Friend’s mind at ease and at peace: I have done exactly that.22 Nov 2021HANSARDChannel Crossings in Small BoatsMy hon. Friend has seen the Labour party in action in the Bill Committee, where it is opposing the solutions that this Government are putting forward and our strong legislation to…22 Nov 2021HANSARDChannel Crossings in Small BoatsIf the hon. Lady would like to listen, rather than talk over me— [ Interruption. ] If the hon. Lady would like to listen, many of them are also trying to deceive local authorities…22 Nov 2021HANSARDChannel Crossings in Small BoatsThis is why we are bringing in new legislation. These individuals are putting their lives at risk and putting their lives in the hands of people smugglers. I come back to the work…22 Nov 2021HANSARDChannel Crossings in Small BoatsFirst, I have been directly engaging with the French Government and the French Interior Minister. In regard to that comment about stopping crossings 100%, those were not my words…22 Nov 2021HANSARDChannel CrossingsMy apologies, Mr Speaker. As I was saying, the new plan for immigration and the Nationality and Borders Bill are pivotal to the comprehensive reform of the entire system. There is…22 Nov 2021HANSARDChannel Crossings in Small BoatsOf course, this would be the time of the week when we hear complete and utter nonsense coming from the Opposition Benches—for a change, I should add. Let me start with a number of…22 Nov 2021HANSARDChannel Crossings in Small BoatsThe number of people coming into our country illegally on small boats is unacceptable. It is the result of a global migration crisis. Just last week, I met my counterparts in the…22 Nov 2021HANSARDChannel Crossings in Small BoatsThe answer to that is no. Actually, it is a fact that we are developing returns agreements, including with India and Albania, and last week we were in discussions with Pakistan.…22 Nov 2021HANSARDChannel Crossings in Small BoatsMy hon. Friend makes an important point about asylum claims, courts and tribunals, the prevarication, the delays and the frustration. That is why we have the Nationality and…22 Nov 2021HANSARDChannel Crossings in Small BoatsOur Parliament is sovereign, and that is why we will work assiduously to ensure that the Nationality and Borders Bill gets through and gets Royal Assent. Then we can absolutely…22 Nov 2021HANSARDChannel Crossings in Small BoatsI refer the hon. Gentleman to my earlier comments. Safe and legal routes cannot be delivered on their own. We will be working with international partners such as the UNHCR and the…22 Nov 2021HANSARDAsylum Seekers: Hotel AccommodationThe Department has long-term plans and proposals to change the way we accommodate asylum seekers.22 Nov 2021HANSARDChannel CrossingsThe UK Government are addressing the challenge of illegal migration for the first time in decades through comprehensive reform to break the entire business model of people…22 Nov 2021HANSARDChannel Crossings in Small BoatsMy hon. Friend has hit the nail on the head, because at the heart of the Bill is the simple principle that our immigration system should protect those in genuine need—people…22 Nov 2021HANSARDTopical QuestionsThis is a very important case, and many conversations are taking place across Government, particularly with the Justice Secretary, the Ministry of Justice and the Parole Board. I…22 Nov 2021HANSARDChannel Crossings in Small BoatsMy right hon. Friend is right to raise the issue of vulnerability and our work with France. Just last week, I had dialogue and discussions bilaterally with my French counterpart,…22 Nov 2021