Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Lord Cryer and James Brokenshire

Monday 23rd March 2015 Commons Chamber

[James Brokenshire]

Migrant partners with an appropriate job offer can apply to come to the UK under tier 2 of the points-based system, and those using the family route to come to the UK must be capable of being independently supported by their sponsor, their joint savings, or non-employment income. We have considered the issue in an appropriate way to ensure that people are not a burden on the taxpayer, and I underline again that the system has been tested and upheld in the courts.

[John Cryer (Leyton and Wanstead) (Lab)]

Has the Minister made any assessment of the minimum age of sponsors as well as minimum income, because the two factors often relate to each other?

[James Brokenshire]

The hon. Gentleman will no doubt be aware that the minimum age for spouse visa applicants and sponsors was increased to 21 in 2008, and the Government defended that position. The Supreme Court found in 2011 that although the Secretary of State was pursuing a legitimate and rational aim in seeking to address the problem of forced marriages —the hon. Gentleman will know that such issues exist—increasing the minimum marriage visa age from 18 to 21 disproportionately interfered with the right to a family life under article 8 of the European convention of human rights. We keep such issues under close review, but they are complex.

Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Lord Cryer and James Brokenshire

Monday 9th July 2012 Commons Chamber

[James Brokenshire]

I agree with my hon. Friend that the ID card scheme was disproportionate and intrusive, and a waste of public expenditure. Our proposals for communications data are critical to support for essential day-to-day police operations. The alternatives—covert human intelligence sources, directed surveillance and undercover officers—are more expensive, more intrusive and less effective.

[John Cryer (Leyton and Wanstead) (Lab)]

What assessment has the Minister made of the potential ability of terrorists to find their way around the provisions of the Bill?

[James Brokenshire]

The whole point of the Bill is that it provides flexibility. The key aspect of it is that it allows co-operation and collaboration with internet service providers to ensure that we respond to the changing nature of criminal operations. Criminals are changing their tactics, and the legislation needs to move with them.

Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Lord Cryer and James Brokenshire

Monday 6th February 2012 Commons Chamber

[James Brokenshire]

My hon. Friend highlights responsible tenancies. My right hon. Friend the Minister for Housing and Local Government is doing further work on that to ensure that those who commit antisocial behaviour are not the beneficiaries of social housing in inappropriate circumstances. I note my hon. Friend’s comments and will draw them to the attention of my right hon. Friend.

[John Cryer (Leyton and Wanstead) (Lab)]

In the light of previous answers, what exactly is the relationship between police numbers and the level of crime?