Question to the Home Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what steps her Department is taking to reduce pull factors for migrants seeking to arrive in the UK illegally.

In November, I announced the most significant reforms to our asylum system in a generation. They are designed to tackle the incentives that draw people to this country illegally.

o We know that the generosity of refugee status draws people here – so we are making it temporary, not permanent.

o We know the ability to work in the illegal economy lures people here – and so we are cracking down on illegal working.

o And we know that effective removals disincentive illegal entry – and returns are up 23% since this Govt took office.