Debates between Keir Starmer and Heidi Allen during the 2015-2017 Parliament

Mon 9th May 2016
Immigration Bill
Commons Chamber

Ping Pong: House of Commons

Immigration Bill

Debate between Keir Starmer and Heidi Allen
Keir Starmer Portrait Keir Starmer (Holborn and St Pancras) (Lab)
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Let me start by discussing unaccompanied refugee children in Europe and reminding the House that two weeks ago the Government voted against Lord Alf Dubs original amendment here in this House. Last week, they voted against this amendment in the other place. Obviously, I welcome the change of position, but it is just that. Whether voting against an amendment last week and accepting it this week is listening, as the Government would have it, or U-turning, as I would have it, is a matter for debate, but clearly there is a changed position.

Heidi Allen Portrait Heidi Allen (South Cambridgeshire) (Con)
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I am disappointed to hear language of that nature, because the Government have not made a U-turn; they have been very carefully weighing up how on earth to mitigate the pull factor, which still remains a huge danger. They have taken their time to deliver proposals that will work and will not endanger children in the future.