Support for Ukraine and Countering Threats from Russia

Part of the debate – in the House of Commons at 4:28 pm on 2 March 2022.

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Photo of James Heappey James Heappey The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Defence 4:28, 2 March 2022

The right hon. Gentleman, who is a skilled parliamentarian, asks his question in a way that makes it uncomfortable to hear. However, the reality is that the criminalisation of those illegal routes—as they will be—is an important deterrent against the illegal criminal gangs who so viciously and exploitatively bring people across the channel at huge expense and in huge danger. Actually, legislation that might change that situation, provided that it is accompanied with safe and legal routes, and I have every confidence that it will be—[Interruption.] Well, I beg to differ. I do not share his analysis of the Bill or its effect and the need for it.