Migrants: Barges Debate

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Department: Home Office

Migrants: Barges

Lord Coaker Excerpts
Wednesday 20th September 2023

(8 months ago)

Lords Chamber
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Lord Coaker Portrait Lord Coaker (Lab)
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My Lords, what confidence can this House have in the Government’s efforts to contain the spread of infectious diseases on barges when the Chief Inspector of Borders and Immigration, referred to by my noble friend Lady Chakrabarti, has had his contract terminated because he has been too critical of the Government’s policy? I will tell the Minister one thing: it is not the inspector’s contract that needs terminating.

Lord Murray of Blidworth Portrait Lord Murray of Blidworth (Con)
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As I replied to the noble Baroness, that is a long way from the topic of infection on barges. The term of office of the chief inspector was time limited. It is clearly open to the Home Secretary not to renew the appointment.