New Clause 17 - Serious Harm Suspensive Claims: Interpretation

Part of Illegal Migration Bill – in the House of Commons at 2:45 pm on 26 April 2023.

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Photo of Robert Jenrick Robert Jenrick The Minister for Immigration 2:45, 26 April 2023

It is difficult for me to comment on remarks that are read out that I have had no sight of; frankly, my right hon. Friend would not have done so either when she was a Home Office Minister. She and I have a disagreement on the current impact of modern slavery on our system, but to me the evidence is very clear that unfortunately—this was never the intention of the framework that was created—there is significant abuse. We see that in particular in the number of individuals who are coming forward with modern slavery claims in the detained estate when we seek to remove them from the country. Such last-minute claims currently account for 70% of individuals. I am afraid that, among other evidence, that shows that we have a serious problem and we have to take action.