Draft Nationality, Immigration and Asylum Act 2002 (Juxtaposed Controls) (Amendment) Order 2024

Matt Vickers Excerpts

Tuesday 8th October 2024 General Committees

[Matt Vickers (Stockton West) (Con)]

It is a pleasure to serve under your chairship, Mr Stringer. I will comment very briefly to seek clarity on the order.

The measures brought forward by the last Government have undeniably had a huge impact on the legislative framework around immigration and asylum. Indeed, under the last Government, in the year June 2023-24, small boat arrivals were down by 29%, migrant returns rose by a fifth, and enforced returns rose by a half. We want the Government to continue to make progress in tackling this issue. Indeed, it is of huge national interest and consequence. Although the argument is already well exercised, without that meaningful deterrent, everything else is just tinkering around the edges.

French officers have been able to carry arms in areas of the channel for years. If the amendment improved the effectiveness of partnership working and helped to frustrate channel crossings, we would be supportive. However, I seek some clarity from the Minister on its impact. If she is not in a position to provide that clarity now, we are happy to take a response in writing.

Why has no impact assessment been undertaken? Surely there is an impact on public service provision—that is, policing. Under what circumstances will the use of firearms be permitted and what are the restrictions, if any? Will a review mechanism be put in place? There are huge concerns about the nature of and delays to the implementation of EES, and the potential impact on legitimate UK travellers. In the spirit of partnership, what mitigation is being put in place for that and what can we expect in reciprocation for securing our own borders?