Border Security, Asylum and Immigration Bill (First sitting) Debate

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Department: Home Office

Kenneth Stevenson

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Public Authorities (Fraud, Error and Recovery) Bill (Fourth sitting)

Border Security, Asylum and Immigration Bill (First sitting)

Kenneth Stevenson Excerpts

Border Security, Asylum and Immigration Bill (Second sitting)
Committee stage
Thursday 27th February 2025

(1 day, 19 hours ago)

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Read Full debate Border Security, Asylum and Immigration Bill 2024-26 View all Border Security, Asylum and Immigration Bill 2024-26 Debates Read Hansard Text Read Debate Ministerial Extracts Amendment Paper: Public Bill Committee Amendments as at 27 February 2025 - (27 Feb 2025)
Susan Murray Portrait Susan Murray (Mid Dunbartonshire) (LD)
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I want to let the Committee know that I know Daniel O’Malley from Scotland through the Liberal Democrats.

Kenneth Stevenson Portrait Kenneth Stevenson (Airdrie and Shotts) (Lab)
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I have previously met Daniel O’Malley as well.

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None Portrait The Chair
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Can I quickly get Kenneth’s question in?

Kenneth Stevenson Portrait Kenneth Stevenson
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Q We have heard from Dr Walsh about how the small gangs operate. They are very difficult to work against. What engagement have you had to better understand the Government’s position? Would you outline your evidence directing us to an alternative approach?

It has been very interesting to hear about what does not deter people from coming across, but it would also be very interesting to hear about anything that does deter them. Could you outline that too?

None Portrait The Chair
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There is less than a minute left, and I wonder whether Zoe wants to quickly come in too.

Dr Peter Walsh: Strong deterrents do not necessarily operate on a psychological level. They include the physical interception of boats in the water, and the case of Australia demonstrates that quite clearly. It had an offshore processing plan, but the huge decrease in numbers arriving by unauthorised boats happened once Australia was physically intercepting those boats in the water and returning them to the countries of departure.

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Kenneth Stevenson Portrait Kenneth Stevenson
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Can you answer my original question about the engagement you have had with the Government? You are saying that small gangs are very flexible, but obviously the Government are saying that they are going after those gangs—

None Portrait The Chair
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Order. That brings us to the end of the time allocated for the Committee to ask questions. I thank our witnesses on behalf of the Committee for their evidence.

Examination of Witness

Dame Rachel de Souza gave evidence.

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