Channel Crossings in Small Boats

Debate between Chris Philp and Stephen Farry

Wednesday 2nd September 2020 Commons Chamber

[Chris Philp]

I share the sentiments of my right hon. Friend, who has a long record himself in the Home Office, and the work he describes is under way as we speak.

[Stephen Farry (North Down) (Alliance) [V]]

Can the Minister confirm that the UK is not in fact being invaded, and does he recognise that the Government’s quasi-military response, rather than humanitarian response, with terms such as “clandestine channel threat commander”, only fuels tension, the scapegoating of asylum seekers and racism?

[Chris Philp]

There is nothing improper about seeking to police our country’s borders, and this Government will not apologise for doing so.