Refugees (Family Reunion) (No.2) Bill

Debate between Angus Brendan MacNeil and Michael Tomlinson

2nd reading: House of Commons
Friday 16th March 2018 Commons Chamber

[Michael Tomlinson]

My right hon. Friend pulls a slight face, but I think there are legitimate concerns and I will address them as briefly as possible.

[Angus Brendan MacNeil]

We have to understand and be very clear that the pull factor cannot happen, because the person has to be deemed to be a refugee. All we are doing is giving under-18s in general the same rights as adults. If the pull factor is anywhere, it is with adults who can come legally, but the pull factor just does not and will not exist—the hon. Gentleman has to move away from it—because the person has to be a refugee. The Bill applies only to refugees and the Government will grant that.

[Michael Tomlinson]

I understand the hon. Gentleman’s point, which is similar to that made by my right hon. Friend the Member for Broxtowe (Anna Soubry), which I answered. I still want to address the concern, because people have raised it with me.