Asked by: Geoffrey Clifton-Brown (Conservative - North Cotswolds)
Question to the Home Office:
To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, whether she has used powers under section 44 of the Police Act 1996 to require Chief Constables to provide information on the time taken by firearms licensing departments to process (a) grants and (b) renewals for (i) shotguns and (ii) section 1 firearms.
Answered by Diana Johnson - Minister of State (Home Office)
The issuing of firearms certificates and the efficiency of police forces is a matter for individual Chief Constables, who are held to account by Police and Crime Commissioners.
However, the performance of forces in this space is being actively monitored by the National Police Chiefs’ Council’s lead for firearms licensing, Deputy Chief Constable David Gardner, and both he and his predecessor have been working actively with forces on performance related issues.
Asked by: Geoffrey Clifton-Brown (Conservative - North Cotswolds)
Question to the Home Office:
To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, how many fatalities have occurred due to a person between the ages of 14 and 17 using an airgun within the law unsupervised on private land with the permission of the owner in the last 14 years.
Answered by Kit Malthouse
The requested information is not held centrally.
Asked by: Geoffrey Clifton-Brown (Conservative - North Cotswolds)
Question to the Home Office:
To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what assessment the Government has made of the potential effect of the arrival of Hong Kong BNO passport holders on the jobs market in the UK; and what steps the Government plans to take to help the Hong Kongers into employment.
Answered by Kevin Foster
On 31 January 2021 the UK Government launched a new immigration route for British National (Overseas) (BN(O) status holders, providing the opportunity for them and their eligible family members to live, work and study in the UK. There is no restriction in terms of where they wish to settle in the UK or plan to do so.
Work is taking place across Government and alongside civil society groups and others to support the effective integration of BN(O) status holders arriving in the UK, ensuring they have access to the necessary support to allow them to thrive in the UK.
Volumes
We estimate there are 2.9 million BN(O) status holders eligible to move to the UK, with a further estimated 2.5 million eligible dependants. There remains uncertainty in the numbers of BN(O) status holders we expect to come to the UK.
As set out in the published impact assessment, our central estimates of those who will take up this offer range between 123,000 and 153,700 BN(O) status holders and their dependants coming in the first year and between 258,000 and 322,400 over five years. Details of the impact assessment can be found at:
https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukia/2020/70/pdfs/ukia_20200070_en.pdf
Impact on the UK
There will be some costs to public services, but the implementation of this visa is estimated to have a net positive impact on the UK, benefiting the economy by between £2.4 and £2.9 billion over 5 years.
Access to services
As part of preparations for the Hong Kong BN(O) route, the Home Office has been working closely across Government to ensure the UK is prepared for the launch of the BN(O) route.
Officials at the Ministry for Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) have written to all local authorities in England and devolved administrations to ensure they were aware of expected numbers coming to their areas. In addition, the Department for Education is fully involved in planning and communications with local authorities, including Regional Schools Commissioners.
Regarding impact on the NHS, BN(O) status holders and their family members will be required to pay the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS). Like other nationals coming to the UK, it is right they contribute to the health care system they will be using. Income from the IHS goes directly into the NHS.
Part of the integration planning for the new BN(O) route includes access to support materials to help BN(O) status holders find work. In addition, to support employers, the Home Office has issued new guidance which clearly sets out the work BN(O) status holders and their family members can do in the UK.
Asked by: Geoffrey Clifton-Brown (Conservative - North Cotswolds)
Question to the Home Office:
To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what recent assessment she has made of the potential effect of the arrival of Hong Kong BNO passport holders on the NHS.
Answered by Kevin Foster
On 31 January 2021 the UK Government launched a new immigration route for British National (Overseas) (BN(O) status holders, providing the opportunity for them and their eligible family members to live, work and study in the UK. There is no restriction in terms of where they wish to settle in the UK or plan to do so.
Work is taking place across Government and alongside civil society groups and others to support the effective integration of BN(O) status holders arriving in the UK, ensuring they have access to the necessary support to allow them to thrive in the UK.
Volumes
We estimate there are 2.9 million BN(O) status holders eligible to move to the UK, with a further estimated 2.5 million eligible dependants. There remains uncertainty in the numbers of BN(O) status holders we expect to come to the UK.
As set out in the published impact assessment, our central estimates of those who will take up this offer range between 123,000 and 153,700 BN(O) status holders and their dependants coming in the first year and between 258,000 and 322,400 over five years. Details of the impact assessment can be found at:
https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukia/2020/70/pdfs/ukia_20200070_en.pdf
Impact on the UK
There will be some costs to public services, but the implementation of this visa is estimated to have a net positive impact on the UK, benefiting the economy by between £2.4 and £2.9 billion over 5 years.
Access to services
As part of preparations for the Hong Kong BN(O) route, the Home Office has been working closely across Government to ensure the UK is prepared for the launch of the BN(O) route.
Officials at the Ministry for Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) have written to all local authorities in England and devolved administrations to ensure they were aware of expected numbers coming to their areas. In addition, the Department for Education is fully involved in planning and communications with local authorities, including Regional Schools Commissioners.
Regarding impact on the NHS, BN(O) status holders and their family members will be required to pay the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS). Like other nationals coming to the UK, it is right they contribute to the health care system they will be using. Income from the IHS goes directly into the NHS.
Part of the integration planning for the new BN(O) route includes access to support materials to help BN(O) status holders find work. In addition, to support employers, the Home Office has issued new guidance which clearly sets out the work BN(O) status holders and their family members can do in the UK.
Asked by: Geoffrey Clifton-Brown (Conservative - North Cotswolds)
Question to the Home Office:
To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what recent assessment she has made of the potential effect of the arrival of Hong Kong BNO passport holders on schooling for all age groups.
Answered by Kevin Foster
On 31 January 2021 the UK Government launched a new immigration route for British National (Overseas) (BN(O) status holders, providing the opportunity for them and their eligible family members to live, work and study in the UK. There is no restriction in terms of where they wish to settle in the UK or plan to do so.
Work is taking place across Government and alongside civil society groups and others to support the effective integration of BN(O) status holders arriving in the UK, ensuring they have access to the necessary support to allow them to thrive in the UK.
Volumes
We estimate there are 2.9 million BN(O) status holders eligible to move to the UK, with a further estimated 2.5 million eligible dependants. There remains uncertainty in the numbers of BN(O) status holders we expect to come to the UK.
As set out in the published impact assessment, our central estimates of those who will take up this offer range between 123,000 and 153,700 BN(O) status holders and their dependants coming in the first year and between 258,000 and 322,400 over five years. Details of the impact assessment can be found at:
https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukia/2020/70/pdfs/ukia_20200070_en.pdf
Impact on the UK
There will be some costs to public services, but the implementation of this visa is estimated to have a net positive impact on the UK, benefiting the economy by between £2.4 and £2.9 billion over 5 years.
Access to services
As part of preparations for the Hong Kong BN(O) route, the Home Office has been working closely across Government to ensure the UK is prepared for the launch of the BN(O) route.
Officials at the Ministry for Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) have written to all local authorities in England and devolved administrations to ensure they were aware of expected numbers coming to their areas. In addition, the Department for Education is fully involved in planning and communications with local authorities, including Regional Schools Commissioners.
Regarding impact on the NHS, BN(O) status holders and their family members will be required to pay the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS). Like other nationals coming to the UK, it is right they contribute to the health care system they will be using. Income from the IHS goes directly into the NHS.
Part of the integration planning for the new BN(O) route includes access to support materials to help BN(O) status holders find work. In addition, to support employers, the Home Office has issued new guidance which clearly sets out the work BN(O) status holders and their family members can do in the UK.
Asked by: Geoffrey Clifton-Brown (Conservative - North Cotswolds)
Question to the Home Office:
To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what plans the Government has to use the immigration of Hong Kong BNO passport holders to support the Government's levelling up policies.
Answered by Kevin Foster
On 31 January 2021 the UK Government launched a new immigration route for British National (Overseas) (BN(O) status holders, providing the opportunity for them and their eligible family members to live, work and study in the UK. There is no restriction in terms of where they wish to settle in the UK or plan to do so.
Work is taking place across Government and alongside civil society groups and others to support the effective integration of BN(O) status holders arriving in the UK, ensuring they have access to the necessary support to allow them to thrive in the UK.
Volumes
We estimate there are 2.9 million BN(O) status holders eligible to move to the UK, with a further estimated 2.5 million eligible dependants. There remains uncertainty in the numbers of BN(O) status holders we expect to come to the UK.
As set out in the published impact assessment, our central estimates of those who will take up this offer range between 123,000 and 153,700 BN(O) status holders and their dependants coming in the first year and between 258,000 and 322,400 over five years. Details of the impact assessment can be found at:
https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukia/2020/70/pdfs/ukia_20200070_en.pdf
Impact on the UK
There will be some costs to public services, but the implementation of this visa is estimated to have a net positive impact on the UK, benefiting the economy by between £2.4 and £2.9 billion over 5 years.
Access to services
As part of preparations for the Hong Kong BN(O) route, the Home Office has been working closely across Government to ensure the UK is prepared for the launch of the BN(O) route.
Officials at the Ministry for Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) have written to all local authorities in England and devolved administrations to ensure they were aware of expected numbers coming to their areas. In addition, the Department for Education is fully involved in planning and communications with local authorities, including Regional Schools Commissioners.
Regarding impact on the NHS, BN(O) status holders and their family members will be required to pay the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS). Like other nationals coming to the UK, it is right they contribute to the health care system they will be using. Income from the IHS goes directly into the NHS.
Part of the integration planning for the new BN(O) route includes access to support materials to help BN(O) status holders find work. In addition, to support employers, the Home Office has issued new guidance which clearly sets out the work BN(O) status holders and their family members can do in the UK.
Asked by: Geoffrey Clifton-Brown (Conservative - North Cotswolds)
Question to the Home Office:
To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what plans the Government has to house the Hong Kong BNO passport holders when they arrive in the UK; and whether they will be dispersed throughout the UK or settled in one group.
Answered by Kevin Foster
On 31 January 2021 the UK Government launched a new immigration route for British National (Overseas) (BN(O) status holders, providing the opportunity for them and their eligible family members to live, work and study in the UK. There is no restriction in terms of where they wish to settle in the UK or plan to do so.
Work is taking place across Government and alongside civil society groups and others to support the effective integration of BN(O) status holders arriving in the UK, ensuring they have access to the necessary support to allow them to thrive in the UK.
Volumes
We estimate there are 2.9 million BN(O) status holders eligible to move to the UK, with a further estimated 2.5 million eligible dependants. There remains uncertainty in the numbers of BN(O) status holders we expect to come to the UK.
As set out in the published impact assessment, our central estimates of those who will take up this offer range between 123,000 and 153,700 BN(O) status holders and their dependants coming in the first year and between 258,000 and 322,400 over five years. Details of the impact assessment can be found at:
https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukia/2020/70/pdfs/ukia_20200070_en.pdf
Impact on the UK
There will be some costs to public services, but the implementation of this visa is estimated to have a net positive impact on the UK, benefiting the economy by between £2.4 and £2.9 billion over 5 years.
Access to services
As part of preparations for the Hong Kong BN(O) route, the Home Office has been working closely across Government to ensure the UK is prepared for the launch of the BN(O) route.
Officials at the Ministry for Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) have written to all local authorities in England and devolved administrations to ensure they were aware of expected numbers coming to their areas. In addition, the Department for Education is fully involved in planning and communications with local authorities, including Regional Schools Commissioners.
Regarding impact on the NHS, BN(O) status holders and their family members will be required to pay the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS). Like other nationals coming to the UK, it is right they contribute to the health care system they will be using. Income from the IHS goes directly into the NHS.
Part of the integration planning for the new BN(O) route includes access to support materials to help BN(O) status holders find work. In addition, to support employers, the Home Office has issued new guidance which clearly sets out the work BN(O) status holders and their family members can do in the UK.
Asked by: Geoffrey Clifton-Brown (Conservative - North Cotswolds)
Question to the Home Office:
To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what the Government’s latest estimate is of the number of Hong Kong British Nationals (Overseas) passport holders who will apply for the new visa scheme and arrive in the UK.
Answered by Kevin Foster
On 31 January 2021 the UK Government launched a new immigration route for British National (Overseas) (BN(O) status holders, providing the opportunity for them and their eligible family members to live, work and study in the UK. There is no restriction in terms of where they wish to settle in the UK or plan to do so.
Work is taking place across Government and alongside civil society groups and others to support the effective integration of BN(O) status holders arriving in the UK, ensuring they have access to the necessary support to allow them to thrive in the UK.
Volumes
We estimate there are 2.9 million BN(O) status holders eligible to move to the UK, with a further estimated 2.5 million eligible dependants. There remains uncertainty in the numbers of BN(O) status holders we expect to come to the UK.
As set out in the published impact assessment, our central estimates of those who will take up this offer range between 123,000 and 153,700 BN(O) status holders and their dependants coming in the first year and between 258,000 and 322,400 over five years. Details of the impact assessment can be found at:
https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukia/2020/70/pdfs/ukia_20200070_en.pdf
Impact on the UK
There will be some costs to public services, but the implementation of this visa is estimated to have a net positive impact on the UK, benefiting the economy by between £2.4 and £2.9 billion over 5 years.
Access to services
As part of preparations for the Hong Kong BN(O) route, the Home Office has been working closely across Government to ensure the UK is prepared for the launch of the BN(O) route.
Officials at the Ministry for Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) have written to all local authorities in England and devolved administrations to ensure they were aware of expected numbers coming to their areas. In addition, the Department for Education is fully involved in planning and communications with local authorities, including Regional Schools Commissioners.
Regarding impact on the NHS, BN(O) status holders and their family members will be required to pay the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS). Like other nationals coming to the UK, it is right they contribute to the health care system they will be using. Income from the IHS goes directly into the NHS.
Part of the integration planning for the new BN(O) route includes access to support materials to help BN(O) status holders find work. In addition, to support employers, the Home Office has issued new guidance which clearly sets out the work BN(O) status holders and their family members can do in the UK.
Asked by: Geoffrey Clifton-Brown (Conservative - North Cotswolds)
Question to the Home Office:
To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, how many breaches of the law have occurred as a result of a person between the ages of 14 and 17 using an airgun unsupervised on private land with the permission of the owner over the last 14 years.
Answered by Kit Malthouse
The requested information is not held centrally.
Asked by: Geoffrey Clifton-Brown (Conservative - North Cotswolds)
Question to the Home Office:
To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what support she is giving to the Fire Service College to encourage more UK fire and rescue officers to undertake training offered by that body.
Answered by Brandon Lewis
It is for individual fire and rescue authorities to decide what training is most appropriate for their officers and where they procure it.