A response from Sir Peter Bottomley MP:
We know that the volume of illegal small boats arriving in the UK has escalated. Travel across the Channel in small boats is life threatening.
No one should be encouraged to undertake this perilous journey. We saw the arrival of 45,775 migrants by the end of 2022 – an increase of 60% from 2021.
I agree that the problem of illegal immigration must be addressed effectively. The present situation is unsafe and unacceptable.
The business model of people-smuggling networks must cease in the interest of the safety of refugees; it will ultimately save lives.
This is not to say that I disagree with safe, legitimate forms of legally migrating to the UK.
Do not believe there is an easy solution to what is a complex challenge for us in the UK and for our neighbours.
The new Migration Bill intends for those entering this country illegally, to be swiftly removed back to their home country if it is safe, or to a safe third country such as Rwanda.
The hope is certain knowledge of swift removal from the UK will encourage all to use the safe and legal routes available as it has done for Syria, Afghanistan, Hong Kong and Ukraine.
I have signed a number of amendments that arose at the Committee Stage of the bill which intended to set out the safe and legal routes that are available to adults and unaccompanied children including that of my colleague and friend, Tim Loughton, regarding the time limit for detaining pregnant women and children.
These amendments seek also to establish provisions for refugees in genuine need, including unaccompanied children and separated families.
The amendments are currently under consideration.
On Tuesday following the Commons debate on Illegal Migration, I supported the government on many votes, abstained on a few and voted for some of the Lords amendments.
I welcome the agreement our Home Secretary has signed with the French Interior Minister, which aims to improve our cooperation to tackle illegal migration together on the Channel.
Also welcome is the news that the UK will be providing France with £500 million in funding over the next three years, to prevent people crossing the Channel illegally.
The funding will provide an extra 500 officers who will patrol French beaches and a new detention centre in Northern France with UK officers embedded in French operations for the first time, where we will also see a 40% increase in the deployment of French officers patrolling northern France.
A new command centre will also be established which will bring UK and French enforcement teams together in one place for the first time.
These measures will be underpinned by sophisticated surveillance technologies including drones which will help to ramp up the interception rate and save lives.
The Government wants to be fair to migrants but also tough in tackling illegal migration.
Many will share in disbelief that so many would be willing to take such extreme, unsafe measures to reach the UK from an already safe country such as France.
I hope this solution will encourage those seeking to arrive in our country to pursue legal and safe routes instead, saving lives and ensuring access to refugee provisions is fair and equitable.