Question to the Home Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what recent discussions she has had with her French counterpart on conditions in migrant camps in northern France.

The UK and France maintain a strong relationship on managing the response to those attempting to access the UK illegally, including in respect of migrant camps and identifying supporting the most vulnerable. The Home Secretary was due to meet the French Interior Minister in March; however this trip has been postponed due to current Covid-19 travel restrictions.

Those who are moved on from camps in Northern France are taken to reception centres where their asylum claims can be lodged, and any other needs assessed. Since the start of the Covid-19 lockdown in France, over 600 migrants have been moved to accommodation centres to aid with social distancing measures. Within these centres, individuals are provided with medical and administrative support.