The Government has known for months that some immigration applicants were being compelled to provide DNA evidence, even though that is illegal - Abbott

Diane Abbott MP, Labour’s Shadow Home Secretary, responding to Sajid Javid revealing that migrants have been forced to provide DNA samples under the Government’s hostile environment agenda, said:

“This issue was first raised by Labour in June and the Government has known for months that some immigration applicants were being compelled to provide DNA evidence to support their claims, even though that is illegal. When presented with clear cases of the Home office requiring DNA evidence, the Minister denied it happened.

“Abuses like this don’t fall from the sky. Officials at the Home Office have been carrying out the Government’s hostile environment policy, which is also what led to the Windrush scandal. People are being treated as guilty or illegal unless they can prove their innocence. 

“We need a fair and robust immigration system, but the hostile environment isn’t it and the Government should end it.”

Ends

Notes to editors

• ·         Afzal Khan MP Written Question 151251 - 7 June with Caroline Noakes responding 12 June:https://www.parliament.uk/business/publications/written-questions-answers-statements/written-question/Commons/2018-06-07/151251/

• ·         Afzal Khan MP Written Question 151250 - 7 June with Caroline Noakes responding 12 June:https://www.parliament.uk/business/publications/written-questions-answers-statements/written-question/Commons/2018-06-07/151251/

• ·         Afzal Khan MP Written Question 5 July with Caroline Noakes responding 12 July: https://www.parliament.uk/business/publications/written-questions-answers-statements/written-question/Commons/2018-07-05/161244/