Oral Answers to Questions

Jo Stevens Excerpts

Monday 4th June 2018 Commons Chamber

The Secretary of State was asked—

[Jo Stevens (Cardiff Central) (Lab)]

1. If he will take steps to expand the scope of the refugee family reunion rules.

[The Secretary of State for the Home Department (Sajid Javid)]

The Government’s approach to refugee family reunion has provided a safe and legal route for more than 25,000 partners and children of those granted protection here in the last five years. We are listening carefully to calls to expand family reunion. We are monitoring the progress of two private Members’ Bills and are actively in discussion with non-governmental organisations.

[Jo Stevens]

While adults can sponsor their relatives, under UK rules separated children have no family reunion rights—not even to bring their parents to the UK. Every other country in the EU allows children to sponsor at least their closest relatives. When will the UK do the same?

[Sajid Javid]

I understand the concerns of the hon. Lady, who is right to raise this important matter. As I said a moment ago, we want to look at the private Members’ Bills and see what more we can do. On her specific issue about children, there is a concern that if we allow children to sponsor adults, whether their parents or others, that might cause harm, in that people might be incentivised to push children forward and put them through danger. I hope she understands that we need to consider such things carefully.