Statement from Selaine Saxby MP for North Devon
“Following on from the Prime Minister’s statement last week about the need for fairness in our immigration system by speeding up processing, ensuring fewer Albanian economic migrants can remain we will now also see the real possibility of processing claims in Rwanda.
With 100 million people displaced across the globe, it is vital that we balance our compassion as a country in welcoming refugees, alongside the reality of not being able to welcome all 100 million. Today’s confirmation that the courts have deemed it legal to transport those who enter the country illegally as asylum seekers to Rwanda will hopefully act as a deterrent to those seeking to travel. Genuine refugees can access other channels as we have seen with the warm welcomes seen here in North Devon to those from Ukraine, as well as recent schemes to support those from Hong Kong and Afghanistan.
Every person that travels to the UK in a small boat has crossed multiple other safe countries before risking their lives to travel here. And whilst many of their stories are harrowing, refuge is available across Europe and France is also a safe country. We have to stop the dreadful scenes in the Channel and tragic deaths as seen this week, and stop the illegal journeys being made, and stop those who traffic these vulnerable people.
I have met with the Prime Minister and Home Secretary on multiple occasions to express my concerns about the current issues around immigration, and particularly the use of the Dilkhusa in Ilfracombe as an asylum centre given its remote location and lack of other facilities. Whilst it is right we do our bit to help with the dispersal of asylum seekers, I have real concerns about the process the Home Office has undertaken in the decisions taken, and hope that the change of course last week will ensure that local council’s have a far bigger say in the dispersal process.
I have also raised the concerns brought to me by those who are supporting the current occupants of the Dilkhusa, and would like to take this opportunity to thank the volunteers and doctors who have done so much to help this very vulnerable group of people. I continue to raise concerns at Westminster as well as try to expedite the claims of those who find themselves staying with us this Christmas.
Immigration is a difficult and emotive topic, but we cannot house everyone who is currently looking for a better life and need to ensure our immigration policy is fair to those seeking asylum, but also our local communities, many of whom also need our help at this challenging economic time.”
