Channel Crossings in Small Boats Debate

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Department: Home Office

Channel Crossings in Small Boats

Lord Mackinlay of Richborough Excerpts
Monday 22nd November 2021

(3 years, 1 month ago)

Commons Chamber
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Priti Patel Portrait Priti Patel
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It is important to restate, for the right hon. Lady’s benefit and that of all colleagues, that, as she will know, through the new plan for immigration and the work we are doing with the Nationality and Borders Bill, we are crystal clear about giving refuge to people who are fleeing persecution through safe and legal routes. That is in line with the refugee convention. I spend a great deal of time speaking to the UNHCR, the International Organisation for Migration and other international agencies that will work with us on this issue. I have to say that the right hon. Lady offered a slight mischaracterisation of the Nationality and Borders Bill.

Lord Mackinlay of Richborough Portrait Craig Mackinlay (South Thanet) (Con)
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I congratulate my right hon. Friend on the robustness of her language and her clear desire to stop irregular crossings. Poland has very much welcomed international assistance; I recommend that she makes a broad and generous offer to her French counterparts and asks how many British police, Border Force staff and, perhaps, troops we can put on site—on the beaches in France—to assist in their efforts and arrest more evil people smugglers.

Priti Patel Portrait Priti Patel
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Let me put my hon. Friend’s mind at ease and at peace: I have done exactly that.