Vulnerable Persons Relocation Scheme
(Ruislip, Northwood and
Pinner) (Con)
Share
1. What plans she has to mark the conclusion of the initial
five-year term of the vulnerable persons relocation scheme.
[901677]
The Secretary of State for the Home Department ()
Share
All right hon. and hon. Members will also associate themselves
with your remarks, Mr Speaker.
It is vital that we help those in greatest need, including those
requiring medical treatment and support, which is why we are
working closely with local authority and civil society
organisations.
Share
Will my right hon. Friend consider making budgets available from
the official development assistance funds to support refugees
with their ambition to learn the English language after their
resettlement to the UK?
Share
My hon. Friend asks an important question and makes a very
important point about the vulnerable persons relocation scheme He
will know, as will all Members, that our ODA budget is used
exactly for that purpose, and the Government have a proud and
considerable record of achievement when it comes to the
vulnerable persons resettlement scheme.
Covid-19: Law and Order
(Don Valley) (Con)
Share
2. What steps her Department has taken to ensure that law and
order is upheld during the covid-19 outbreak. [901678]
The Secretary of State for the Home Department ()
Share
I know that, at this particular time of emergency, the public are
incredibly anxious about the provision that is in place. However,
I can assure my hon. Friend that my priority as Home Secretary is
to ensure that the British people are kept safe, and of course
that means working with our law enforcement agencies throughout
this outbreak of covid-19.
Share
Is my right hon. Friend as confident as I am that the police will
have the full support of the British public during this difficult
time?
Share
My hon. Friend asks an important question, and he is right. The
police are doing an excellent job when it comes to providing
public confidence, as well as protecting the public. This is an
incredibly challenging time for our entire country, but also for
everyone who works in our emergency services and our public
sector. I am here to back the police and make sure that we
provide them with the resources and support that they need.
(Torfaen) (Lab)
Share
I associate the Opposition with the remarks about PC Palmer. I
ask this question in place of my hon. Friend the Member for
Sheffield, Heeley () in order that we can have
social distancing in the Chamber.
The challenges for police in tackling covid-19 will be
unprecedented. Will the Home Secretary consider relaxing
regulations, as the NHS has done, to allow recently retired and
leaving police officers to rejoin the force? Will she suspend the
tax and pension disincentives to recently retired officers
returning to work? Will she include special constables in the
emergency volunteer scheme provisions of the Coronavirus Bill,
with access to the compensation fund?
Share
I thank the hon. Gentleman for his questions. I can categorically
say that work is already taking place across Government on
suspending the tax and pensions disincentives—because they are
disincentives at this time of crisis and national emergency. We
want to make sure that retired police officers, for example, can
come back and join the service. I have specifically asked Her
Majesty's Revenue and Customs and the taxman to look at that, and
they are doing so right now. When it comes to looking at special
constables in the emergency volunteer scheme, we are absolutely
doing that too.
I would like to take this opportunity to give the House this
reassurance on policing. I am working with the National Police
Chiefs’ Council every day—as, of course, is the Policing
Minister—and engaging with Martin Hewitt, but also with all
forces across the country. That is the right thing to do to
understand the operational challenges they are facing and to make
sure that our officers are supported, but also in terms of
looking at all the ways we can make sure that we have flow in the
service, bringing back people with the right kind of skills and
capability to keep our country safe at this critical time.
(Cumbernauld, Kilsyth
and Kirkintilloch East) (SNP)
Share
On behalf of the SNP, I also echo your powerful words in relation
to PC , Mr Speaker.
The weekend saw a new but worrying development, with significant
numbers heading to isolated and scenic areas—the highlands and
islands, for example—for purposes of social distancing, not
appreciating that these areas are not well equipped to deal with
new arrivals as coronavirus spreads. Will the Home Secretary send
a clear message that this behaviour is not appropriate? Although
we do not want it to become a police matter, is she satisfied
that sufficient powers are available to stop this trend
continuing, if required?
Share
I thank the hon. Gentleman for his question and his comments. He
is absolutely right. He and the public have observed very clearly
the type of behaviour that happened over the weekend. It is not
acceptable. The Government could not have been clearer that, to
save lives and protect the public during this public health
emergency, it is right that we practise social distancing, in the
way that the Government have outlined and are reinforcing, and
that the chief medical officer and many others are reinforcing
day in and day out.
With that, we ask the public to take responsibility. Of course,
there are enforcement measures now in place, through a statutory
instrument that was put in place over the weekend, which covers
places for social gatherings —pubs, clubs and cafés, for example.
The public have been observing those measures, but the police,
local authorities and trading standards are working together now
to make sure that they are being put in place.
My final comment is that the guidance that is coming from the
Government and Public Health England is there to protect and save
lives. I urge everyone—all members of the British public—to
follow that guidance and absolutely not to use this period for
any other practices. It is important that we observe social
distancing and do everything we can as individuals to be
responsible in our conduct.
(Wycombe) (Con)
Share
Some of my constituents have asked for a police presence at
supermarkets. Does the Home Secretary agree that, although there
may be a case for increased patrols around supermarkets, the main
answer is for the public to buy responsibly?
Share
My hon. Friend is absolutely right. It is unsurprising that we
are seeing greater demand on our supermarkets right now. There
are a number of important points here. It is not appropriate for
police officers to be inside supermarkets. I and colleagues
across Government have been working with the Security Industry
Association, whose members provide guards at supermarkets to look
after their functioning. Of course, the answer is that everyone
should behave responsibly, and that we should ensure that we are
kind to people and observe the right kind of social practices in
supermarkets.
(Cardiff South and Penarth)
(Lab/Co-op)
Share
May I, through the Home Secretary, thank the National Police
Chiefs’ Council and our senior police officers? We had an
extremely reassuring brief from them at the Home Affairs
Committee the other day, and I thank them for all they are doing.
Will the Home Secretary say a little about ensuring that personal
protective equipment is available not only to police forces
across the country but to our Border Force? We had very worrying
evidence from the ISU, the immigration service union, about
actions its members are having to undertake without any equipment
at all. Can she provide some reassurance?
Share
The hon. Gentleman is absolutely right; the work of the police is
crucial, and I am aware of the briefings that he and others have
received. PPE is vital for all frontline workers. There is a
cross-Government effort taking place, yes for Border Force—I
spend every day with Border Force officials on my team—but also
for police officers. Over the weekend, I spoke to individual
chief constables to understand the challenges on PPE. Of course,
not all PPE is the same; it depends on the service someone is
working in, so we are ensuring that the right type of PPE goes to
the frontline for the type of worker. Where there have been
issues, not with supply but with distribution, we are working
across Government to unblock them.
(South Dorset) (Con)
Share
I commend Dorset police and all its officers, who are doing a
fantastic job down in Dorset. Unfortunately, with South Dorset
being the most attractive seat in the House of Commons, thousands
disobeyed the Government’s guidelines and descended on Dorset’s
coastlines, parks and everywhere else, causing local residents to
get extremely cross. Can my right hon. Friend reassure the House
and remind the public that they have to stay at home and not mix
in such huge numbers?
Share
My hon. Friend is absolutely right. Notwithstanding the beauty of
his constituency and that part of the country, he makes a very
important point. The Government guidance on social distancing,
self-isolation and staying at home is critical for public health,
protecting lives and saving lives. I urge all members of the
public to follow that advice and guidance.
(East Ham) (Lab)
Share
A large number of law-abiding workers in my constituency have
leave to remain but no recourse to public funds. Those who need
to self-isolate will do so only if they have support, along with
others. What plans does the Home Secretary have for that
particular group during the current crisis?
Share
The right hon. Gentleman makes a very important point. We are
already working on a range of measures across Government and at
pace, and rightly so; obviously, access to public services such
as the NHS, and to support systems, is vital. Working across
Government means working with the Department for Work and
Pensions. He will be familiar with many of the measures that are
being put in place and with those that are being looked at for
particular groups, in the way that he mentioned.
Custody Suites
(Southport) (Con)
Share
3. What steps her Department is taking to ensure that custody
suites are accessible to police officers. [901679]
The Minister for Crime and Policing ()
Share
My hon. Friend has been a persistent correspondent with the Home
Office on this matter, but, as he hopefully knows, the provision
of custody suites is an operational decision for chief officers
and police and crime commissioners, who best understand the needs
of their local communities. The Government are committed to
supporting the police in their vital work protecting the public
and keeping us safe by recruiting 20,000 officers over the next
three years and delivering the biggest funding increase in a
decade, to ensure that police officers have the resources they
need.
Share
Can my hon. Friend confirm that police forces will continue to
arrest suspects throughout the covid-19 outbreak?
Share
I can confirm that. My hon. Friend is correct in his supposition
that there will be extra burdens on the police, but the Home
Secretary and I are in close contact with forces across the
country, and we are confident of their ability to continue to
manage crime in the way they have been doing.
Knife Crime
(Aylesbury) (Con)
Share
4. What plans her Department has to tackle knife crime. [R]
[901680]
(Wolverhampton South West) (Con)
Share
10. What plans her Department has to reduce knife crime in
Wolverhampton. [901688]
The Minister for Crime and Policing ()
Share
Knife crime is a scourge on our society that leaves a trail of
grief, anger and despair across entire communities, costing lives
and leaving people afraid. That is why the Home Secretary has
increased police funding by more than £1 billion this year, is
giving the police more powers to stop and search known offenders,
has started recruiting 20,000 more police officers, and is
ensuring that those who carry a knife are locked up for longer.
We will do everything in our power to end these shocking acts of
violence and this senseless loss of life.
Share
Aylesbury young offenders institution in my constituency has a
large number of young men aged between 18 and 21 who have been
convicted of very serious offences, many of them involving
knives, yet many young teenagers still believe—wrongly—that they
need to carry a knife for their protection. What message does my
hon. Friend have for them?
Share
My hon. Friend is quite right to raise this appalling issue
which, notwithstanding the current crisis, has dogged this
country. As somebody who, in my role at City Hall in London 10
years ago, had to fight a similar upsurge in knife crime, I know
he is right that we need to send the right message to young
people. It is statistically true that someone is much more likely
to be stabbed or injured if they are carrying a knife than if
they are not. That is a basic truth that we need to communicate
to young people.
Share
What plans does my hon. Friend have to invest even more in youth
facilities based in local communities like the city of
Wolverhampton, given the strong link between youth knife crime
and a lack of youth services?
Share
My hon. Friend is quite right to point out that alongside police
enforcement, we need to do longer-term intervention work with
young people of all ages to turn them away from a life of
violence and crime. He will be pleased to know that the
Government are making significant investments, not least through
the youth investment fund, to ensure that that is the case. We
want to make sure that all young people across the country have
access to good, rigorous, disciplined, socialised activities that
teach them the way of truth and light.
Settled Status for EU Citizens: Internet Access
(Kirkcaldy and Cowdenbeath)
(Ind)
Share
5. What support her Department is making available to EU citizens
who are unable to use the internet to apply for settled status to
continue living in the UK. [901681]
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for the Home
Department ()
Share
We are committed to giving all EU citizens living in the UK the
certainty they need. Last week, I announced that 3 million people
have been granted status under the European settlement scheme. We
have made available a further £8 million of funding to help
vulnerable EU citizens apply. For those who are unable to access
the support mechanisms in place, including assisted digital, a
paper application form will be made available.
Share
I have met a number of constituents and organisations who are
providing vital support to vulnerable people applying for EU
settled status. Some of the stories they have shared about the
difficulties faced by those challenged by an internet-based
system, such as people with dementia, are harrowing. While the
news that funding to support those groups has been extended until
this June is welcome, with a bidding process until June 2021,
many vulnerable people are currently only able to secure
pre-settled status. They will be required to apply again for
settled status within five years. Where should those individuals
turn when the funding to support them is cut off?
Share
As the hon. Gentleman reflected, we are making funding available,
and the current grant-funded organisations will continue until
the new funding comes in, one of which is Fife Migrants Forum in
his constituency. As with any Member, I invite him, once the
current situation is over, to visit the team in Liverpool who are
dealing with the European settlement scheme to see at first hand
the lengths to which they go to ensure that everyone gets the
status they are entitled to.
(Hackney North and Stoke
Newington) (Lab)
Share
On behalf of Opposition Members, I offer my profound sympathy to
the families of the 289 persons who have died in this unheard-of
pandemic.
On the settlement scheme, we obviously welcome the fact that 3
million persons have been successfully processed, but Ministers
will be aware that the number of rejections is on a rising curve,
with 300 last month. That is increasingly because of problems
with documentation. Last week, the House debated the Windrush
lessons-learned review and one of the problems at that time was
documentation. Is it not time that the Government ended the
uncertainty hanging over the heads of EU citizens and guaranteed
the rights of EU citizens in the UK?
Share
A very small number has been rejected—just 300 out of over 3
million applications—and the core reason for rejection, for
saying no to someone, is criminality. Where there are eligibility
issues, people can make a free re-application but the evidence
levels are quite basic. People must prove their identity; they
must prove that they have residence in the UK, particularly for
pre-settled status; and they are subject to the eligibility and
suitability checks around criminality. Actually, the system is
working very well, and again, I extend an invitation to the right
hon. Lady to come to meet the team and see at first hand the work
that they are doing and why this has been such a success. It is
the biggest documentation of immigration status in history and it
is going well.
County Lines Drugs Gangs
(Witney) (Con)
Share
6. What steps her Department is taking to dismantle the
operations of county lines drugs gangs. [901682]
(Southampton, Itchen)
(Con)
Share
11. What steps her Department is taking to dismantle the
operations of county lines drugs gangs. [901689]
(South Suffolk) (Con)
Share
12. What steps her Department is taking to dismantle the
operations of county lines drugs gangs. [901690]
(Harrogate and Knaresborough)
(Con)
Share
18. What steps her Department is taking to dismantle the
operations of county lines drugs gangs. [901696]
(Hastings and Rye)
(Con)
Share
19. What steps her Department is taking to dismantle the
operations of county lines drugs gangs. [901697]
The Secretary of State for the Home Department ()
Share
We will not tolerate the abhorrent gangs that are terrorising our
towns and exploiting our children, when it comes to county lines
drugs gangs, and we have committed £25 million of targeted
investment to boost law enforcement to roll up these drug lines.
Share
Does my right hon. Friend think that the covid-19 outbreak might
lead to an increase in the number of county lines gangs, and will
she take steps to address that?
Share
My hon. Friend is right about the risks associated with drug line
gangs and covid-19. We are working with the police on this,
because they are on the frontline and they monitor everything
that goes on with gangs. They will not desist from the work that
they are doing, and it is important that we pursue this work
throughout the crisis to give the public confidence and provide
reassurance that we are determined to roll up these drug gangs.
Share
We hear plenty about county lines networks but not so much about
the customers. It is simply not acceptable for people to pop down
to Waitrose on a Saturday afternoon and buy their quinoa and then
invite their friends round on a Saturday evening for some
recreational cannabis. Will my right hon. Friend update the House
on what she is doing to try to disrupt the drugs trade—not just
those who supply drugs, but those who use them?
Share
My hon. Friend is absolutely right. The use of drugs is simply
unacceptable and the fact of the matter is that those who misuse
and take drugs should also be aware of the consequences of their
actions: children around the country are being trafficked and
abused and used by drugs gangs to fuel people’s drug addictions.
A great deal of work is taking place across Government on this,
including by Dame Carol Black, who did a review of drugs and has
provided further evidence on what other measures the Government
can bring in, in addition to law enforcement measures.
Share
I welcome my right hon. Friend’s robust approach to this, but I
echo the concerns of my hon. Friend the Member for Witney
(). The concern is that with
schools closed, children will have more time on their hands and
that is a vulnerability. Will she assure us that what we do to
encourage online activities and so on for them can be looked at
across Departments, so that we reduce the likelihood of this
happening?
Share
My hon. Friend is absolutely right. It is important that we
recognise the nature of the vulnerability of young people and
children. It is a fact that, throughout this crisis, children are
not at school. They could therefore become prey to gangs and are,
equally, more vulnerable, so we are working with the police to
make sure that greater work takes place on protecting young
people. We are doing the same with local authorities, but the
public need to do much more as well. It is a collective duty of
the state to protect our children and make sure that they are
safeguarded. Right now across Government, with covid-19 taking
place, we are absolutely determined to make sure that we
safeguard children, protect vulnerable children and ensure that
more kids do not become vulnerable to county lines drugs gangs.
Share
It is very good to hear about the Government’s robust approach to
tackling county lines. The issue of dealing around schools,
including even at school gates, has been raised with me by
anxious teachers and parents over the past year. Will my right
hon. Friend ensure that when schools reopen, her focus will be on
making sure that they do so safely for all those attending?
Share
My hon. Friend is absolutely right. This is about protecting
children, including vulnerable children, but it is also about
safeguarding. Everyone has a duty and a responsibility when it
comes to safeguarding children. When schools finally reopen, they
will play a very important role in making sure that children are
protected, that they get back into education and on a stable
footing, and that they will not be susceptible and vulnerable to
these types of criminal activities.
Share
Hastings and Rye has serious issues regarding county lines, with
drug dealers deliberately targeting young and other vulnerable
people. Sussex police is working hard with local partners to
combat drug dealers, but it needs the support of the justice
system, imposing strong deterrent sentences to ensure zero
tolerance of drug gangs, particularly during the coronavirus
crisis. What steps is my right hon. Friend taking to ensure that
the Home Office and the Ministry of Justice are working together
to pursue a zero-tolerance policy for drug gangs?
Share
My hon. Friend is absolutely right. Through the crime and justice
Cabinet Committee that we now have, we look at this from an
end-to-end perspective. The Home Office has put in £25 million
specifically to target county lines drugs gangs and to roll up
county lines. She has highlighted a really important point about
the role of the criminal justice system in sentencing and
deterrence, and about how we should work together to use
intelligence to go after the gang leaders and cut the head off
the snake—the people who are fuelling this awful, abhorrent
crime.
(Torfaen) (Lab)
Share
County lines are one aspect of the threat posed by serious and
organised crime, in respect of which the coronavirus crisis
presents hugely difficult challenges. I should be grateful if the
Home Secretary passed my thanks on to the Minister for Security
for the discussions that I have had with him on measures on
warrants, but can she set out what other measures she will take
to ensure that our police can deal with urgent issues, including
their having the appropriate protective equipment? Does she agree
that we need to ensure that this period in which we will be in
emergency measures is not exploited by those who wish us harm?
Share
The hon. Gentleman is absolutely right to raise those matters. I
am aware of the discussions that have taken place between him and
the Security Minister about the legislation that will be
discussed this afternoon on the Floor of the House. He is
absolutely right—I restate the points that I made about PPE, in
particular, to protect frontline workers.
The hon. Gentleman will know that there are various measures in
the Bill on the appointment of temporary judicial commissioners,
as well as on biometric data and information—the essential steps
that we have to take to make sure that we protect our people, our
communities and our country. We cannot have any gaps or loopholes
that would allow people who want to come in and do us harm to
come in and do us harm right now.
The hon. Gentleman is absolutely right about our collective
focus, and I thank him and the Opposition Front-Bench team for
the way in which they are working with us to make sure that we
have those protective measures, because the duty of Government
during this epidemic and crisis is to make sure that we have
responsible measures in place to protect our country and our
people.
Share
I am grateful to the Home Secretary for that answer. Of course,
the police are going to be under pressure in the months ahead,
and they deserve all our support. We should all say that any
abuse directed towards the police is totally and utterly
unacceptable. However, there will be people carrying out the role
of police officers in the months ahead. Thanks to my hon. Friend
the Member for Rhondda (), the police have the
protection of the Assaults on Emergency Workers (Offences) Act
2018, allowing courts to take into account the fact that they
were on duty when the abuse occurred. Can we look at extending
that measure to those who are carrying out the role of police
officers in the months ahead?
Share
The hon. Gentleman makes a very important point. I have put on
the record in the House my views about the appalling abuse to
which our police officers and emergency workers are subject. That
is simply unacceptable, and my intention, as he will know from
the police powers and protections Bill, is to introduce the right
legislation to bring in enhanced powers and measures in the
criminal justice system to make sure that the right kinds of
penalties are put in place.
I agree with the hon. Gentleman. At this particular time, when
there are additional pressures and strains on public workers—our
public sector, our emergency workers and our police officers—we
should do everything possible, and I will absolutely look into
that.
Covid-19: English Language Testing
(Eastbourne) (Con)
Share
7. What plans she has to review the English language testing
requirement for student visas as a result of the closure of
overseas language test centres in response to the covid-19
outbreak. [901683]
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for the Home
Department ()
Share
These are extraordinary times, and we are working hard to ensure
that no foreign students are penalised unfairly by these events.
We recognise the concerns of the education sector about the
impact of covid-19, and we are working with it to mitigate the
adverse consequences. We are also working closely with secure
English language test providers to ensure that there is
sufficient capacity for all those who need to take tests while
prioritising the health and safety of staff and applicants.
Share
I thank the Minister for his answer. Clearly my question was
tabled before we hit the mission-critical phase in our actions to
combat the virus, and of course it feels rather discordant to
talk today about international travel when we are talking
self-isolation and social distancing. But below that there is
another really important message—that we will come through this,
we will rally and we will rebuild. So can the Minister say what
measures are being taken to expedite the process for
international students coming to our universities in particular,
because it is so vital in towns such as Eastbourne and across the
country?
Share
I recognise the comments my hon. Friend makes, and as she says,
at the moment it seems strange to be talking about international
travel when we are rightly advising against all non-essential
travel within the United Kingdom, let alone abroad. We are very
clear that no one will have a negative outcome through the
immigration system due to a circumstance that was beyond their
control. We have already done a block extension of visas for
Chinese nationals, and we are looking at further measures that we
can take—for example, allowing in-country switching that we would
not normally allow—to ensure that no one is penalised because
they followed the advice and did what they could to protect our
NHS and save lives.
Police Disciplinary Procedures
(City of Chester)
(Lab)
Share
8. What plans she has to review police disciplinary procedures.
[901684]
The Minister for Crime and Policing ()
Share
The vast majority of police officers fulfil their duties to a
very high standard, but where they fall short, it is only right
that they are held to account. In February this year, the
Government overhauled the police complaints and disciplinary
procedures, introducing reforms to make the systems more
accountable, proportionate and efficient.
Share
I was disappointed to learn that two Metropolitan police officers
are facing potential disciplinary action for crashing their car
while in hot pursuit of an active terrorist on the rampage. I
know that the Minister cannot talk about individual cases, but is
he satisfied that all circumstances are taken into account before
a police officer faces suspension? If he meets the Commissioner
of the Metropolitan Police any time soon, will he pass on to her
my personal thanks to every single one of the police officers
involved in that operation, including those who are facing
disciplinary sanction?
Share
I am certainly willing to pass on the hon. Gentleman’s good
wishes to the men and women of the Metropolitan Police Service,
who we are in touch with daily, if not several times a day at the
moment. He is right that I cannot talk specifically about that
particular case, but he can be confident that in that case, and
in all cases, the Independent Office for Police Conduct, which
will conduct the investigation, is well aware of its duty to take
into account all the circumstances.
Covid-19: Screening for UK Entry
(Romford) (Con)
Share
9. If she will take steps to ensure that people entering the UK
are screened for covid-19 symptoms. [901687]
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for the Home
Department ()
Share
We are facing an unprecedented threat from covid-19. In response
to that, an enhanced monitoring process was implemented by Public
Health England during the containment phase to monitor direct
flights and identify any ill passengers from affected countries.
However, the UK Government do not intend to introduce port
screening measures such as temperature checks, as the scientific
advice suggests that they simply do not work.
Share
I thank the Minister for his reply, but can he tell us what steps
he is taking to ensure that British citizens returning from
high-risk countries are fully aware of the need to self-isolate
on their return? Will he also promise that any advice that he
gives is shared with the Governments of the devolved Parliaments
and Assemblies, and also the territories and dependencies? They
all need advice, support and help during this very difficult time
for our country.
Share
I thank my hon. Friend for that question, and he raises an
extremely good and important point, as always. All aircraft
flying into the United Kingdom will have an announcement on the
symptoms and what to do if any passengers have those symptoms. In
the UK, that has been enforced by a notice to airmen filed with
the Civil Aviation Authority. In addition, the Government have
made sure there are posters and leaflets containing public health
information in all international airports, ports and
international train stations. The need to self-isolate when
people have those symptoms is critical, and I will take up his
suggestion and make sure that is propagated to all the other
Administrations to which he referred.
(Normanton, Pontefract and
Castleford) (Lab)
Share
Will the Minister and the Home Secretary pass on huge thanks to
the Home Office staff, the Border Force staff and the police, who
are working immensely hard on the response to the coronavirus?
Given that other countries have mandatory quarantines in place
for people arriving and that the Government in this country
withdrew on 13 March the previous advice for travellers coming
from high-risk countries such as Italy to self-isolate, does the
Minister accept that it is hard to understand why there is no
guidance on self-isolation on a precautionary basis for
travellers coming from high-risk countries? Will he and Home
Secretary look at that issue again? Will they also work with the
Home Affairs Committee to ensure that they can attend remote
meetings to answer our questions during this crisis?
Share
First, may I echo the right hon. Lady’s comments about the
fantastic work being done by civil servants and staff of various
Executive agencies? As she has said, they are doing an incredible
job in very difficult circumstances. On mandatory self-isolation
for people returning from high-risk countries, she is right to
say that the advice changed. However, let me reassure her by
saying that it is under continual and ongoing scientific
evaluation. The Home Secretary and I have both asked recently for
refreshed scientific advice, and that is being monitored almost
daily. If the scientific advice says that the safety of our
country requires a further change in policy, we will certainly do
that in response.
On the right hon. Lady’s question about enabling remote hearings
for her Select Committee, I am sure that civil servants,
officials and Ministers at the Home Office will do exactly that
if required, to make sure that her Committee can function and
discharge its scrutinising responsibilities, regardless of our
current circumstances.
(Gainsborough) (Con)
Share
In previous Home Office questions, I have asked for reassurances
from the Home Secretary that those who enter or seek to enter
illegally from France are immediately returned, but I have not
received that absolute reassurance. As we have a pandemic going
on, it is even more important that people who seek to enter
illegally are first apprehended, and are then returned, tested
and, above all, put into isolation. Can the Minister reassure me
that that is going on?
Share
Significant resources are being put into protecting the short
straits, particularly the crossing in the direction of Dover.
Where people make that crossing cladestinely, they are met by the
relevant officials, particularly from Border Force and from
immigration enforcement. Of course, one of the screening checks
now being done relates to their health, to make sure that if they
need to be isolated to avoid the disease being transmitted
onwards, that happens. On returns, we are currently bound by the
Dublin regulations, but once we exit the transition period, we
will not be and there will be an opportunity for us to form our
own policy in this important area.
(Orkney and Shetland) (LD)
Share
Overwhelmingly, people entering the UK in Orkney and Shetland do
so because they are coming off cruise ships. That traffic is
currently suspended, as a result of the businesses themselves
suspending it. Will the Minister reassure me that if these
businesses were to try to reinstate cruise ship business before
it was safe to do so, steps would be taken to prevent their doing
it?
Share
Let me reassure the right hon. Gentleman that, as I said
previously, the scientific advice is at the forefront of the
Government’s thinking and there is no question at all of allowing
any unsafe operating practice—by cruise ship operators or anyone
else. The Government will not contemplate allowing this business
to happen until the scientific advice categorically states that
it is safe.
Crime Hotspots
(Ipswich) (Con)
Share
13. What steps her Department is taking to reduce burglary and
theft in crime hotspots. [901691]
(Eddisbury) (Con)
Share
17. What steps her Department is taking to reduce burglary and
theft in crime hotspots. [901695]
The Minister for Crime and Policing ()
Share
Burglary and theft are a blight on all members of our community,
which is why this Government are committed to reducing burglary
and other neighbourhood crimes. We recently launched the £25
million safer streets fund to protect areas that are
disproportionately affected by burglary and theft and to invest
in well-evidenced crime prevention measures. A reduction in
burglary, along with other neighbourhood crimes, will form one of
the many outcomes we will be putting forward to the police that
we expect to see as part of the recruitment of 20,000 police
officers.
Share
As my right hon. Friend the Home Secretary will know following
her recent visit to Ipswich, it has seen a number of burglaries
in our town centre recently. These break-ins have been targeted
at stores in specific parts of the town, including important
local businesses like Willy’s & Milly’s café and Emilia Hair
& Beauty Studio. Given that Suffolk constabulary’s resources
are stretched and Suffolk urgently needs a review of the police
funding formula, what steps is the Minister taking to ensure that
the police in Ipswich have every resource they need to thoroughly
investigate each burglary, bring the perpetrators to justice and
prevent more such serious crimes from happening in the future,
especially in the light of the additional pressures that tackling
covid-19 will place upon the local force in Suffolk?
Share
Ipswich has rarely had a champion quite as robust as my hon.
Friend, and he is right to be as persistent as he is in the
defence of his town. I urge Suffolk constabulary, or the police
and crime commissioner who represents Ipswich, to make a bid to
the safer streets fund. Lots of things can be done to
target-harden in particular areas where there are burglary
hotspots. My hon. Friend is aware that we have given Suffolk
constabulary another £9.2 million this year to start the
recruitment of police officers, and of course there will be more
to come in the years that follow, but he is right to keep up the
pressure and I hope he will see results soon.
Share
In Cheshire, the police rural crime unit recently reported having
dealt with 170 crimes, including burglaries and thefts, in three
months. Will my hon. Friend guarantee that tackling such crimes
will remain a key focus for his Department, and that the extra
resources being made available will help to keep specialist
police officers out there to protect the Eddisbury countryside
and its farms and businesses into the future?
Share
I offer my hon. Friend a belated welcome back from his extended
recess; it is nice to see him in his place. He is right to raise
the issue of rural crime. As somebody who represents 220
beautiful square miles of rolling Hampshire down land, I am well
aware of the problems that rural communities face with crime. My
hon. Friend will understand that it is an operational matter for
the chief constable in his area to decide where and how his
police officers are deployed, but I know that some of the more
rural forces are working hard to maintain their capacity in
respect of that crime type. As he will know, there is a National
Rural Crime Network, which is looking at what more can be done.
Shop Workers: Protection from Violence
(Bexhill and Battle) (Con)
Share
14. What recent steps her Department has taken to protect shop
workers and owners from violence and crime. [901692]
The Minister for Crime and Policing ()
Share
We are committed to driving down crime and violence in all its
forms, which is why, to strengthen our understanding of the scale
of violence and abuse towards shop staff, we launched a call for
evidence. The findings are supposed to be published this month,
and it is still my ambition to do so, but we will see what
happens given the current circumstances. We will continue to work
closely with the police, industry and other partners to ensure a
robust collective response.
Share
Many colleagues from all parties will share the concern that the
criminal justice system can be too slow and too lenient in
dealing with those who cause violence against shop workers and
owners. Right now, will the Minister share his expressions of
solidarity with all the shop owners and workers who are putting
themselves on the frontline to help those in our community to be
fed and looked after? Can we send a message out from the House
that we expect those people to be treated not just in line with
criminal standards, but with respect and gratitude?
Share
I wholeheartedly endorse my hon. Friend’s remarks. He is right
that when we emerge from the crisis that is engulfing our
country, there will be a general reassessment of who is important
in this country and what a “key worker” means. He is right that
those on the frontline, delivering, stacking shelves and taking
money at tills, are as much part of the national effort to beat
this coronavirus as a police officer or NHS worker, and we thank
them for it.
(Hackney North and Stoke
Newington) (Lab)
Share
On the question of protecting shop workers and owners, as was
referred to earlier, we have all seen the unfortunate recent
scenes of disorder in supermarkets when persons attempt to
stockpile in response to the coronavirus. We have seen shelves
swept clean just hours after the shops open, the apparent
shortages of very basic products such as paracetamol, and the
elderly being unable to purchase their basic needs. A number of
measures are being taken to deal with the situation, but we note
that even when supermarkets tried to set aside hours at the
beginning of the day for the frail, elderly and NHS workers,
others just barged them aside. No one on the Opposition Benches
wants to see police officers in supermarkets, but if the
situation remains unmanageable, will the Minister consider
talking to the shops, the supermarket owners and their security
officers to see whether patrols by police community support
officers in the vicinity of some of the larger supermarkets might
play a role?
Share
The right hon. Lady is right to raise this issue. I hope to
reassure her that we are in very close contact both with the
police about the patterns of behaviour they are seeing, and with
representatives from the food industry, particularly from the
supermarkets, which I know are meeting regularly with the Prime
Minister and the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and
Rural Affairs to monitor the situation. We hope and believe that,
over the next few days, things will settle down. Our food and
supply chains in supermarkets are extremely strong, and we are
reassured by those companies that they can fulfil the demand as
it comes, but she is right to hold us to the challenge of
monitoring the situation. If we need to take further steps,
obviously we will. As the Home Secretary said, we are also
talking closely with the Security Industry Association about the
welfare and capability of its staff in these circumstances. We
want to ensure that this is managed proportionately and calmly,
but we are keeping an eye on it.
Topical Questions
(Stafford) (Con)
Share
T1. If she will make a statement on her departmental
responsibilities. [901702]
The Secretary of State for the Home Department ()
Share
This country is facing its greatest challenge since the second
world war. The covid-19 pandemic requires us to change our way of
life for many months to come and, throughout this uncertainty,
nothing has made us as a nation prouder than the extraordinary
humanity and dedication of our police officers, firefighters and,
of course, our NHS workers and key workers. This battle against
coronavirus is being fought in our hospitals and will be won
through the efforts of the public, who need to stay at home to
protect the NHS and to save lives. On behalf of the Government
and the country, may I say that, although we are all facing this
unprecedented challenge, we will come through it together? There
is a role for compassion and commitment to ensure that we all
work together at this challenging time.
Share
Over the weekend, I spoke both to my local resilience forum and
Staffordshire police, who raised various concerns with me about
access to personal protective equipment and lack of personnel if
people are off with self-isolation. What conversations is my
right hon. Friend having with police forces across the country to
ensure that they have the resources that they need for dealing
with covid-19?
Share
I have daily conversations across the entire policing network
across the country with regard to the resources that they need at
this incredibly challenging time. The Government are, of course,
working closely with all partners, including the emergency
services, on a range of issues, including suitable PPE and the
development of suitable testing. Those are the things that our
police officers and police chiefs are asking for right now, and
we are working with them to co-ordinate supplies and the policing
response.
(Hackney North and Stoke
Newington) (Lab)
Share
I wish to return to the subject of that category of person under
immigration legislation who has no recourse to public funds.
Because of the coronavirus epidemic and the consequent shutdown
of large parts of the economy, these persons will not be able to
work. We welcome the help for workers through bank loans and the
benefit system that the Government have brought in, but the
category of person to which I refer are not entitled legally to
benefits of any kind. I note that the Home Secretary is talking
to the Department for Work and Pensions about this matter, but
when can she give some assurance to people who are literally
facing destitution that this matter will be resolved and that
there will be a way of offering them some measure of financial
support?
Share
Let me repeat to the right hon. Lady the comment that I made
earlier. This is work that is taking place across Government, and
not just in the Home Office. We are engaging with the Treasury
and with the DWP. It is vital that, at this particular stage and
given the really significant challenge that our country finds
itself facing, we provide resources and support for people at all
levels, and that is something that the entire Government are
committed to do. I would be very happy to come back to her on
this specific point in due course.
(Rother Valley)
(Con)
Share
T2. In the light of the panic buying, profiteering and rising
tensions occurring at some shops across the country, what
measures is my right hon. Friend taking to ensure that sufficient
security and public safety personnel are present to keep such
premises open and to maintain the availability of essential goods
to all, especially to the elderly, vulnerable and our much-valued
NHS workers? [901703]
The Minister for Crime and Policing ()
Share
My hon. Friend is right to raise an issue that has been of
concern in the media and across the country. As I said earlier,
we are talking to the Security Industry Association about what
more it can do, and we are in close touch with, in particular,
the supermarkets as to how they are administering and making sure
that those who need to get resources can do so. We are monitoring
the situation very closely with our colleagues in the police,
but, as I say, we hope and believe that, in the next few days,
the good sense of the British public will reassert itself and
everyone will start to behave appropriately.
(Cumbernauld, Kilsyth
and Kirkintilloch East) (SNP)
Share
May I welcome the fact that no recourse to public funds rules
appear to be being looked at just now, but there is a host of
other immigration and asylum policies, which surely also need
urgent revision to deal with the coronavirus crisis, of which
immigration detention, requirements to report or attend
appointments and interviews, and shared asylum accommodation are
just three. Are all of these issues being looked at urgently and
could we simply receive a comprehensive update from the Home
Office in early course?
Share
The answer is yes.
(St Austell and Newquay)
(Con)
Share
T3. One of the things that the current crisis is teaching us is
that many people who we considered to be low-skilled are actually
pretty crucial to the smooth running of our country—and are, in
fact, recognised as key workers. Once we are through this
situation, will my right hon. Friend consider reviewing our
points-based immigration system to reflect the things that we
have learnt during this time? [901704]
Share
My hon. Friend makes a very important point. We have never said
that people at lower skill levels are unimportant. As we know,
throughout this crisis everybody is making a tremendous
contribution and effort to keep all services functioning and
running, while at the same time ensuring care and compassion for
workers in service provision that is essential right now. I have
already committed to keeping all aspects of the points-based
immigration system under review. The important thing about that
system is that we will ensure that points are tradeable based on
skills and labour market need across particular sectors.
(Sefton Central) (Lab)
Share
I am afraid that the lack of sense displayed by some parts of the
British public is putting retail workers under enormous pressure
and threat. Retail workers often cannot be 2 metres apart from
other people, especially at checkouts. This point was brought
home to me by a constituent who witnessed somebody being spat on
for refusing to allow bulk buying. Will the Minister please
revisit what he and the Home Secretary have already said about
the need to protect retail workers? We are going to need them to
continue at work; we cannot afford for them to become sick.
Share
The hon. Gentleman is right to raise this issue once again. As I
said earlier, the protection of retail workers is one of the
uppermost issues in our mind. I have noticed a number of
retailers who are taking protective measures—for example,
measuring out the distance and putting tape on the floor to
indicate where people should stand in order to stay 2 metres away
from a retail worker. However, the hon. Gentleman is right that
action needs to be taken when there are serious offences. As far
as I can see, the incident that he mentioned is a crime that
should be reported to the police and actioned accordingly.
(Mansfield) (Con)
Share
T4. The fire services are vital for our safety. My right hon.
Friend knows that they do far more than running into burning
buildings to save people, including with regard to wider public
safety and public health measures—even more important now,
perhaps, than usual. What conversations has she had with the fire
services about what role they might play in supporting our
efforts to tackle coronavirus, and will she ensure that they have
all the resources they need for this particular crisis and for
the future? [901705]
Share
My hon. Friend is absolutely right. Today we have spoken clearly
about policing and the daily calls we have with the police, but
there is a similar system with the fire service, which is
providing incredible work and support, particularly for
vulnerable communities across the country. We should all pay
tribute to the fire services; their work is truly remarkable.
They are an integral feature of the local resilience forums that
cover all our constituencies, and we are in close contact with
them to ensure that they are getting the equipment, support and
resources they need throughout this crisis.
(Rhondda) (Lab)
Share
Foreign national doctors and medical students at Morriston
Hospital in Swansea are very concerned about their immigration
status. They face significant bills if they want to renew their
visas now, and obviously want an expedited process. Would it not
simply make sense for the Government to announce as swiftly as
possible that they will waive all fees for such doctors and
medical trainees, that they will try to ensure that those
processes can be expedited and that anybody who wants to stay can
stay?
Share
Let me give the hon. Gentleman, his constituents and all public
health workers in that category reassurance. Some very fast work
is taking place at the Home Office right now to look at exactly
that issue. I would be very happy to write to the hon. Gentleman
outlining that work.
(Brecon and Radnorshire) (Con)
Share
T5. A huge amount of tourists came flooding to my constituency of
Brecon and Radnorshire at the weekend. But, as beautiful as it
is, Powys simply cannot cope with visitors at the moment. I am
urging people to stay away from the area, as visiting puts a huge
strain on our already stretched rural resources—not least our
police force. What can the Home Office do to ensure that members
of Dyfed-Powys police and other forces across the UK are
protected as they carry out this vital work? [901706]
Share
My hon. Friend is absolutely right to raise her concerns, which
have been echoed in the House today. She does have a beautiful
constituency and an incredible police force, which I pay tribute
to. The police have robust contingency arrangements. They have
the ability to work with others in the community and alongside
the other emergency services to ensure that we stop people from
behaving irresponsibly. I restate the message that everyone
should take responsibility and follow the Government’s advice.
This is about saving and protecting lives, and we all have a duty
to follow that advice.
(Belfast East) (DUP)
Share
The Home Secretary is well aware that the emergency legislation
being brought forward this afternoon provides quite extraordinary
but important measures for immigration officials and extends the
power of detention. Does she not understand that without adequate
proactive screening, that power will be rendered useless? Will
she keep open the option of providing a better regimen of
screening at our air and sea ports?
Share
We are working with the Department for Transport and across
Government on screening, but it is important that the House
recognises that where there is proper scientific evidence, we are
following it. This will all be under review, and as things change
and more evidence comes from the chief medical officer, that is
what we will being doing across Government, day in, day out.
(Hastings and Rye)
(Con)
Share
T6. In the time of extreme crisis facing this country the vast
majority will pull together, and they are doing so in the spirit
of community and solidarity. Unfortunately, there are always
those who will attempt to exploit or take advantage of
vulnerability and weakness. What measures is my right hon. Friend
taking to ensure that the British people, our streets and our
communities remain as safe as ever? [901707]
Share
My hon. Friend raises an essential question about the safety and
security of the public and our communities at this time. It is
fair to say that we have seen incredible resilience among the
British public. In all constituencies, people are behaving in a
generous and community-minded way. That helps and it is what we
want to see. At the same time, we are seeing organisations and
individuals coming together and working with our local police,
our local authorities and our local resilience forums, and we
will continue to encourage that.
(Ogmore) (Lab)
Share
At the weekend, I was horrified to receive calls from
constituents telling me that some pub landlords were trying to
let customers come in through the rear entrances to their pubs,
leading to my local authority having to send licensing officers
to ask those people to leave the pubs. What punishment will be
given to the landlords if they continue to flout the law and
break the licensing conditions set out by the Prime Minister?
Share
Fines will be put in place, but licensees also run the risk of
losing their licence and their livelihood.
(The Wrekin) (Con)
Share
As the Home Secretary will know, covid-19 has already had an
impact on police numbers on the frontline and in back office
support roles. What discussions has she had, or would consider
having, with the Foreign Office about getting the key workers,
including police officers, nurses and support staff, who are
currently stranded in other parts of the world back as a
priority?
Share
On police officers in particular, the numbers of frontline staff
are proving to be very resilient, but my hon. Friend makes an
important point about those who are abroad and how we can
repatriate them, so that they can rejoin the frontline services
in our country. That work is taking place across Government,
specifically with the Foreign Office, and Border Force is now
tasked with joining up with the Foreign Office to make sure that
happens.
(Glasgow East) (SNP)
Share
Before leaving their country of origin, many of my asylum-seeking
constituents were skilled doctors or nurses. Given that there is
such a shortage of nurses and doctors at the moment, will the
Government consider lifting the work ban on asylum seekers to let
them take part in this national effort?
Share
I have already indicated that many measures are under review. We
are working at pace across Government to consider what changes we
will bring in.
(Harrow East) (Con)
Share
Over the weekend, I was alerted to the fact that a number of
religious workers, students and business people whose visas are
soon to expire are not able to return to India. What advice does
my right hon. Friend have for the people in that category?
Share
We are going to announce changes we will make very soon. I will
write to my hon. Friend and all colleagues about how we will
enable extensions.
(Newcastle upon Tyne Central)
(Lab)
Share
Coronavirus is driving many aspects of our daily lives online.
Hopefully that will help bring us together, but it will also
undoubtedly attract criminal elements to new crimes, particularly
with all the vulnerable people going online. What additional
capacity is the Home Secretary ensuring in the police forces to
patrol the online streets and keep us safe at this time?
Share
The hon. Lady raises an extremely important point. While we might
see other forms of crime fall because of the lack of activity in
the street, we are well aware and sensitive to the fact that
fraud might emerge. I have seen over the weekend some reports in
the media of unscrupulous individuals exploiting elderly and
vulnerable citizens in particular, and certainly when we have
been discussing these matters with police leaders on our regular
calls, they are aware of that issue and are thinking more about
how they could redirect resources towards it, if it becomes
systemic.
(Haltemprice and Howden)
(Con)
Share
We probably have more than half a million undocumented migrants
in this country—people who, if they fall ill with coronavirus,
might be afraid to declare themselves to the health authorities
for fear of deportation. The Irish Government, who have the same
issue in Ireland, have firewalled their national health service
data from other parts of Government. I do not know whether that
is the right answer, but will the Secretary of State look at the
issue and find a similar resolution?
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for the Home
Department ()
Share
The point is well made and we will certainly look at it. No one
should fear accessing medical advice from our superb NHS for an
immigration reason.
(Croydon Central) (Lab)
Share
Concerns have been raised in Croydon—I have seen them
elsewhere—that religious organisations are not adhering to the
new guidance about holding their services or not. Indeed, I have
seen some people seeing it as an act of faith that they are bold
enough to go to their religious services. What more can we do in
terms of enforcement and communication to ensure that people are
doing what they should?
Share
The hon. Lady is quite right, and I received reports just this
morning that certain communities in London in particular are not
observing the rules. We will be talking to Ministry for Housing,
Communities and Local Government colleagues this afternoon about
what they can do to draw people together to create better
observance.
(Bournemouth East) (Con)
Share
I thank you, Mr Speaker, for referring to the death of PC
, who tragically died
three years ago. The pressures on the Home Office are only likely
to increase. We have seen 20,000 armed forces personnel
mobilised, many of whom will probably provide military assistance
to the police. In the event of a lockdown, will the Home
Secretary say what role the armed forces might play?
Share
My right hon. Friend is right to raise the capacity and
capability of our military, which is second to none. Where we
can, we will draw upon it. He will know that this country has a
proud tradition of a strong division between the civil and the
military, and we wish to maintain that. However, our armed forces
colleagues have superb expertise in logistics in particular, but
also in planning and construction, which we aim to use to the
fullest extent.
