EU-UK Joint Political Declaration on Asylum and Returns

Lord Dubs Excerpts

Thursday 28th January 2021 Lords Chamber

Asked by

[Lord Dubs]

To ask Her Majesty’s Government what steps they are taking to implement the United Kingdom-European Union Joint Political Declaration on Asylum and Returns.

[The Minister of State, Home Office (Baroness Williams of Trafford) (Con)]

My Lords, the joint political declaration notes the importance of effectively managing migratory flows between the UK and the EU. The UK will continue to engage bilaterally and multilaterally with member states with which we have a mutual interest on returns or family reunions of unaccompanied asylum-seeking children. This reaffirms the important commitments already made in Parliament. This work is ongoing.

--- Later in debate ---

[Lord Dubs (Lab) [V]]

My Lords, the Minister will be aware that, yesterday at a Holocaust Memorial Day event, her Cabinet colleague Robert Jenrick made a very positive statement about refugees. May I ask her specifically about the discussions that are taking place about child refugees with EU countries? Have these discussions started? If not, when will they start and with which countries will they take place?

[Baroness Williams of Trafford (Con)]

I know I will disappoint the noble Lord when I say that I will not be giving a running commentary on discussions but, yes, they have started and will be ongoing.