Immigration Bill Debate

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Department: Home Office

Immigration Bill

Patrick Grady Excerpts
Monday 25th April 2016

(8 years, 7 months ago)

Commons Chamber
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Kelly Tolhurst Portrait Kelly Tolhurst
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Absolutely. My hon. Friend knows that over the past 12 months we have had significant representation from our county council with regard to the pressures it is under, not only in dealing with the domestic situation but the issue we are debating today. I absolutely believe that hon. Members from other parts of the country should encourage their councils to help the counties in the south-east.

Patrick Grady Portrait Patrick Grady (Glasgow North) (SNP)
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I am sure the hon. Lady is aware that the Scottish Government offered to take, at the very least, Scotland’s fair share of refugees. Indeed, the Scottish Government have called for the UK Government to take more, so that our fair share will be greater. Does she accept that many of the unaccompanied children in Europe are trying to get here because their parents or other relatives are already here, and that being reunited with their family is the best option for them?

Kelly Tolhurst Portrait Kelly Tolhurst
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I absolutely accept that young people are coming to this country to be reunited with their families. As I have said, Kent has already taken more than 1,000 of them.