Child Refugees: Calais Debate

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Department: Home Office

Child Refugees: Calais

Fiona Mactaggart Excerpts
Monday 29th February 2016

(8 years, 9 months ago)

Commons Chamber
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James Brokenshire Portrait James Brokenshire
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We are working closely with the UNHCR in relation to the resettlement programme, particularly through work in-region to see how unaccompanied children could potentially come to this country. The UNHCR is monitoring the situation in and around northern France but, as far as I am aware, has no formal remit.

Fiona Mactaggart Portrait Fiona Mactaggart (Slough) (Lab)
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The Minister is aware that for 12 years we have had juxtaposed immigration controls in the northern ports of France. How does he think one official will be able quickly to determine the asylum claims to be refugees here in Britain of the 50 children identified by respectable charities as having family in the UK? One person cannot do that job.

James Brokenshire Portrait James Brokenshire
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The right hon. Lady should be aware that there is not just one person but a senior-level connection between officials in both Governments, so broader teams are working on these exchanges. If there is information to support a claim highlighting a close family connection under the Dublin III regulation, we will stand by our obligations.