Oral Answers to Questions

Andrew Selous Excerpts

Monday 17th January 2022 Commons Chamber

[Stephen Crabb (Preseli Pembrokeshire) (Con)]

1. What progress she has made on reducing the number of illegal small boat crossings in the channel.

[Andrew Selous (South West Bedfordshire) (Con)]

6. What progress she has made on reducing the number of illegal small boat crossings in the channel.

[Philip Davies (Shipley) (Con)]

7. What steps she is taking to reduce the number of migrants crossing the channel illegally.

--- Later in debate ---

[Priti Patel]

My right hon. Friend’s question is an important one because, as all hon. Members will be well aware, I asked for MOD naval assets and support back in 2020, because no Department can resolve the complex issue of channel crossings on its own. It is also right, having called for MOD involvement, that we now bring the whole machinery of government, the ultimate utility, together to ensure that we work collectively to protect our borders. My right hon. Friend is right about the wider issues on immigration, and that is why we have the new plan for immigration.

[Andrew Selous]

I fully echo the Home Secretary’s remarks about the late Member for Birmingham, Erdington. He was well liked and respected by many of us on this side of the House.

Does the Home Secretary recognise the anger felt about this issue, not least by the many people who fully respect this country’s proud tradition of asylum and the tremendous contribution made so many people who have come to this country legally?