VerbatimParliament, as it happens

Undocumented Migrants: English Channel

Asked by Rupert LoweRestore BritainHome OfficeTabled Answered 2 December 2024UIN 15613

The question

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what steps the Government is taking to use (a) section 24(1)(a) of the Immigration Act 1971 and (b) section 2 of the Asylum & Immigration Act 2004 to stop people entering the country via small boats.

Answered by Dame Angela Eagle

The Nationality and Borders Act 2022 amended Section 24(1)(a) of the Immigration Act 1971, to introduce tougher criminal offences for those attempting to enter the United Kingdom (UK) illegally or found to be facilitating illegal immigration.

Since the Act came into force on 28 June 2022, Home Office Immigration Enforcement teams have pursued a number of suspects for offences brought in under the Nationality and Borders Act 2022.

For example, in the current calendar year to 18 November 2024, 53 individuals identified as small boat pilots have been convicted under the Act.

Verbatim has judged this answer against the question that was actually asked — answered, partly answered, or evaded. Sign in to see the verdict →

Open this question in Verbatim →

Every written question, searchable

155,000 questions tabled since the election, with the answer each department gave — and the ones still unanswered, with the clock running. Free to search.

Search written questions →Read on Verbatim