Clause 30
Borders, Citizenship and Immigration Bill [Lords]
6:00 pm
Tom Brake (Carshalton and Wallington, Liberal Democrat)
We tabled an amendment that unfortunately was a starred amendment, so it is not subject to debate here. However, I thought that I would use this opportunity to ask the Minister to clarify precisely what is being achieved in the clause. The explanatory notes suggest that, as a result of the clause
“the IPCC may carry out investigations in relation to the exercise of specified immigration and asylum enforcement functions by contractors”—
I emphasise that word, “contractors”—
“and in relation to the exercise of customs functions by (a) designated customs officials and officials of the Secretary of State”.
Am I right therefore that it will not be possible to make a complaint to the Independent Police Complaints Commission about immigration officials, as opposed to immigration contractors? If so, I hope the Minister will explain why that is the case. Are there circumstances in which a complaint could be made to the IPCC about the activities of immigration or customs officials outside the UK?