Debates between Christopher Chope and Priti Patel during the 2019 Parliament

English Channel Small Boats Incident

Debate between Christopher Chope and Priti Patel
Thursday 25th November 2021

(2 years, 4 months ago)

Commons Chamber
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Priti Patel Portrait Priti Patel
- Parliament Live - Hansard - - - Excerpts

The answer is no, because the Nationality and Borders Bill does create safe and legal routes.

Christopher Chope Portrait Sir Christopher Chope (Christchurch) (Con)
- Parliament Live - Hansard - -

At the end of her statement, my right hon. Friend said that crossing the channel in a small boat was illegal. Would that it were, but it is not illegal, as was confirmed by the Crown Prosecution Service on 8 July. What would make it illegal would be passing into law my Illegal Immigration (Offences) Bill, whose Second Reading is due to take place tomorrow. I should be grateful if my right hon. Friend would agree to meet me to discuss the content of that Bill and how it will contribute to what we all want to see, which is an end to this vile trade.

Priti Patel Portrait Priti Patel
- Parliament Live - Hansard - - - Excerpts

I certainly think that more needs to be done, so Ministers would be happy to meet my hon. Friend.