Channel Crossings in Small Boats Debate

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Department: Home Office

Channel Crossings in Small Boats

Darren Henry Excerpts
Wednesday 2nd September 2020

(3 years, 6 months ago)

Commons Chamber
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Chris Philp Portrait Chris Philp
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We recently increased the funding to support local authorities in relation to UASCs and care leavers—former UASCs who are now aged up to 25. That was increased by about £35 million per year just a few weeks ago. So, yes, I do believe the financial support is adequate.

Darren Henry Portrait Darren Henry (Broxtowe) (Con)
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Clearly, these crossings are only made possible by criminals who thrive on exploiting vulnerable migrants and endangering their lives. Does my hon. Friend agree that one of the safest ways to protect refugees is to crack down on this abhorrent trade and reform our asylum laws to ensure that those most in need are protected?

Chris Philp Portrait Chris Philp
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Yes, I do. We need to reform our laws to make sure that we target our protection at those who are genuinely in need, and we need to show zero tolerance to the ruthless criminals who are preying on human misery.