Oral Answers to Questions Debate

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Department: Home Office

Oral Answers to Questions

Marion Fellows Excerpts
Monday 5th September 2016

(7 years, 8 months ago)

Commons Chamber
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Robert Goodwill Portrait Mr Goodwill
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When the Labour party introduced a points-based system, the numbers went straight up. Australia has a points-based system and higher immigration per capita than Britain. A points-based system would give foreign nationals a right to come to Britain if they meet certain criteria. An immigration system that works for Britain would ensure that the right to decide who comes to the country resides with this Government.

Marion Fellows Portrait Marion Fellows (Motherwell and Wishaw) (SNP)
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The Logan practice in my constituency—it is my own GP practice—has already sponsored medical students from the American University of Beirut for a four-week learning experience. This year’s student, Ghaith Rukba, a Syrian national, has been refused entry, although he would be coming on exactly the same basis as previous applicants. Will the Minister meet me urgently to review the case, as Mr Rukba is due to arrive on 24 September?

Robert Goodwill Portrait Mr Goodwill
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It is certainly the aim of the Government to ensure that those who wish to come to our blue-chip universities—the Russell Group universities—to study can do so, but I understand that there are specific cases for courses. I would be happy to meet the hon. Lady to discuss that case and facilitate it.