Debate: Border security and asylum

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Fragments

This Government is committed to tackling illegal migration. The tragic incident in the Channel earlier this week reminds us why the work to dismantle these dangerous and criminal smuggling gangs and strengthen border security is so vital. The number of asylum seekers crossing the Channel in small boats has increased dramatically under the previous Government. Criminal smuggling gangs are making millions from these crossings, undermining our border security and putting lives at risk. We are tackling the root of the problem by targeting these dangerous criminals and bringing them to justice. That is why this Government is implementing a practical plan to tackle the small boat chaos.

The Home Secretary has already launched the new Border Security Command to strengthen Britain’s border security and tackle criminal smuggling gangs. The BSC will be led by a new Border Security Commander who will provide strategic leadership and direction across multiple agencies, bringing together the work of the National Crime Agency, Border Force, police, the UK intelligence community, immigration enforcement and the Crown Prosecution Service to better protect our borders and tackle the smuggling gangs that facilitate these crossings.

The BSC will work with government colleagues and international partners to dismantle the activities of criminal trafficking gangs and ensure that those who profit from human trafficking are brought to justice.

As set out in the Speech from the Throne, this Government will swiftly introduce legislative measures to restore order to our borders. Work is underway on the planned Border Security, Asylum and Immigration Bill, which will be introduced as soon as possible. The proposed new legislation will include provisions to give the border security system, including law enforcement partners, stronger powers to disrupt, investigate and prosecute organised criminals who facilitate organised immigration crime.

On 21 August, the Home Secretary announced the recruitment of up to 100 new specialist intelligence and investigation officers to the NCA, to tackle, dismantle and disrupt organised immigration crime networks. This coincides with a 50% increase in the number of NCA officers based at Europol. These officers have been deployed immediately to support European operations to disrupt the activities of criminal smuggling gangs who make millions from small boat crossings.

The government has also set up a new returns and enforcement programme to ensure that asylum and immigration rules are properly respected and enforced. Thirteen bespoke return flights have now departed since we took office on 5 July, taking people back to a range of countries including Albania, Poland, Romania, Vietnam and East Timor. Those who have been returned do not have legal right to be in the UK and include foreign criminals, failed asylum seekers and other immigration offenders. More than 400 people without a right to be here were flown to a single destination country, with more than 200 leaving on a single flight – the largest number of people ever returned on a single flight. These flights demonstrate the new government’s ambition to take swift and decisive action to speed up removals and secure our borders.

The Home Office is also expanding detention spaces to strengthen our capacity for swift, firm and fair returns. The government is increasing detention spaces to support the increased pace of removals, including reopening and adding an initial 290 beds at immigration removal centres in Campsfield and Haslar, with further expansions in the future. This increase will ensure there is additional capacity to facilitate higher levels of enforcement and returns, ensuring rules are properly enforced.

We are rapidly scaling up our work across government and with law enforcement partners to target, investigate, and sanction unscrupulous employers who illegally employ people who have no right to work here. Intensive immigration enforcement operations in recent weeks have targeted rogue businesses suspected of employing illegal workers. More than 275 properties were targeted during the operation, of which 135 were issued civil penalties for employing illegal workers. In addition, 85 illegal migrant workers were detained for deportation.

We are also improving value for money in asylum reception. The latest review of the proposed Scampton reception site has concluded that costs have increased significantly compared to initial estimates. Costs of £60 million have already been incurred on the Scampton site as a result of the work done and commitments made by the previous government. In addition, the estimated cost of opening and running the site from this autumn until the end of its planned occupation in March 2027 has now risen to a further £122 million, bringing the total cost of using this single site as an asylum reception site for a short period to almost £200 million. This is an unacceptable cost.

Taking into account these additional costs and the expected occupancy levels, this clearly does not provide value for money for the taxpayer. This Government is aware of their inherited financial position and is determined to ensure that we deliver the best services at the best price for the taxpayer. We have also listened to feedback from the community highlighting concerns about the history of the site and alternative development plans.

Although my officials have investigated other possible uses for the site, it is better now to leave the site and avoid any future service costs where they have not been committed. We will dispose of this site within the rules that have been established for Crown land. Although there will be some additional costs for holding and managing the site while this takes place, it still represents a better financial decision.

The Government’s intention is to return to the use of long-standing dispersed asylum accommodation and will do so as soon as possible, once we have made progress in clearing the backlog. Every decision regarding the use of accommodation sites will be fully considered, with a firm focus on value for money and ensuring the right standards.

(HCWS73)