Clandestine Migrants (Harwich) Debate

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Department: Home Office
Monday 8th June 2015

(8 years, 10 months ago)

Commons Chamber
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Mark Pritchard Portrait Mark Pritchard (The Wrekin) (Con)
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Helping fragile states is expensive, but helping failed states is even more expensive in terms of blood, treasure and mass migration—often illegal mass migration. Although these clandestines are arguably not from failed states, many more who come to this country are. Does that not underline the importance of the Government’s commitment to the Department for International Development budget, particularly in doing more for conflict prevention and conflict resolution?

James Brokenshire Portrait James Brokenshire
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My hon. Friend makes an important and powerful point. Our international and regional development assistance plays a key part in providing long-term solutions to help prevent the flows of people across continents and in confronting and combating the traffickers who are engaged in this pernicious trade. Yes, he is correct, and we certainly do want to see that focus on international development assistance to support our own domestic priorities.