Oral Answers to Questions

Rob Marris Excerpts

Monday 6th March 2017 Commons Chamber

[Mr Goodwill]

We have not even sat around the negotiation table, so that question is probably slightly premature.

[Rob Marris (Wolverhampton South West) (Lab)]

9. What discussions she has had with her French counterpart on another refugee camp forming in Calais.

[The Minister for Immigration (Mr Robert Goodwill)]

Both countries are alive to the risk of new camps forming in northern France and are continuing to work together to combat the criminal groups that facilitate people smuggling. The UK Government are contributing up to £36 million to support the situation in Calais and ensure that the camp remains closed in the long term.

[Rob Marris]

Many economic migrants dispersed from Calais refuse to apply for asylum in France, so they are not fingerprinted there: thus they can get smuggled to the UK and claim asylum here. Has the Minister urged upon the French authorities the desirability of all such individuals being fingerprinted in France and the records exchanged?

[Mr Goodwill]

The hon. Gentleman is absolutely right. The principle of first safe country is central to the asylum policy. If people are in France, they should claim asylum in France and have their fingerprints taken. We can then use those biometrics in the Dublin process to ensure that the people are dealt with properly. We certainly urge our French friends to ensure that that can be done, and we encourage asylum seekers in France to go through that process.