Home Office
The first duty of the government is to keep citizens safe and the country secure. The Home Office has been at the front line of this endeavour since 1782. As such, the Home Office plays a fundamental role in the security and economic prosperity of the United Kingdom.
Junior Shadow Ministers / Deputy Spokesperson
Conservative
Lord Davies of Gower (Con - Life peer)Shadow Minister (Home Office)
Junior Shadow Ministers / Deputy Spokesperson
Conservative
Alicia Kearns (Con - Rutland and Stamford)Shadow Parliamentary Under Secretary (Home Office)
Ministers of State
Dan Jarvis (Lab - Barnsley North)Minister of State (Home Office)
Lord Hanson of Flint (Lab - Life peer)
Minister of State (Home Office)
Sarah Jones (Lab - Croydon West)
Minister of State (Home Office)
Alex Norris (LAB - Nottingham North and Kimberley)
Minister of State (Home Office)
Parliamentary Under-Secretaries of State
Jess Phillips (Lab - Birmingham Yardley)Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Home Office)
Mike Tapp (Lab - Dover and Deal)
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Home Office)
Lords Chamber
11:00
The Government has announced major changes to eligibility for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR), also known as settlement, and is …
To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what is the total number of Gangmasters and Labour Abuse …
This Order amends the Immigration (Passenger Transit Visa) Order 2014 (S.I. 2014/2702) which requires certain passengers to hold a transit …
A Bill to Make provision about the effect, during an appeal, of an order under section 40 of the British …
Home Office Commons Appearances
Oral Answers to Questions is a regularly scheduled appearance where the Secretary of State and junior minister will answer at the Dispatch Box questions from backbench MPs
Other Commons Chamber appearances can be:- Urgent Questions where the Speaker has selected a question to which a Minister must reply that day
- Adjornment Debates a 30 minute debate attended by a Minister that concludes the day in Parliament.
- Oral Statements informing the Commons of a significant development, where backbench MP's can then question the Minister making the statement.
Westminster Hall debates are performed in response to backbench MPs or e-petitions asking for a Minister to address a detailed issue
Written Statements are made when a current event is not sufficiently significant to require an Oral Statement, but the House is required to be informed.
Bills currently before Parliament
Home Office does not have Bills currently before Parliament
Acts of Parliament created in the 2024 Parliament
A Bill to make provision about border security; to make provision about immigration and asylum; to make provision about sharing customs data and trailer registration data; to make provision about articles for use in serious crime; to make provision about serious crime prevention orders; to make provision about fees paid in connection with the recognition, comparability or assessment of qualifications; and for connected purposes.
This Bill received Royal Assent on 2nd December 2025 and was enacted into law.
A Bill to Make provision about the effect, during an appeal, of an order under section 40 of the British Nationality Act 1981.
This Bill received Royal Assent on 27th October 2025 and was enacted into law.
A Bill to require persons with control of certain premises or events to take steps to reduce the vulnerability of the premises or event to, and the risk of physical harm to individuals arising from, acts of terrorism; to confer related functions on the Security Industry Authority; to limit the disclosure of information about licensed premises that is likely to be useful to a person committing or preparing an act of terrorism; and for connected purposes.
This Bill received Royal Assent on 3rd April 2025 and was enacted into law.
Home Office - Secondary Legislation
Petitions
e-Petitions are administered by Parliament and allow members of the public to express support for a particular issue.
If an e-petition reaches 10,000 signatures the Government will issue a written response.
If an e-petition reaches 100,000 signatures the petition becomes eligible for a Parliamentary debate (usually Monday 4.30pm in Westminster Hall).
(27,937 in the last 7 days)
(8,437 in the last 7 days)
(2,793 in the last 7 days)
(1,723 in the last 7 days)
(1,099 in the last 7 days)
(8,437 in the last 7 days)
(27,937 in the last 7 days)
(280 in the last 7 days)
(2,793 in the last 7 days)
(262 in the last 7 days)
c. 16,060 added daily
2,980,346
(Estimated)
closes in 3 weeks, 4 days
We demand that the UK Government immediately commits to not introducing a digital ID cards. There are reports that this is being looked at.
Petition Closed
Stop financial and other support for asylum seekers
Gov Responded - 23 Jun 2025 Debated on - 20 Oct 2025closed 4 months, 3 weeks ago
This petition is to advocate a cessation of financial and other support provided to asylum seekers by the Government. This support currently includes shelter, food, medical care (including optical and dental), and cash support.
Petition Closed
Ban immediately the use of dogs in scientific and regulatory procedures
Gov Responded - 5 Mar 2025 Debated on - 28 Apr 2025closed 4 months ago
As a first step to end animal testing, we want an immediate ban for dogs. They are commercially bred in what we see as bleak and inhumane factory-like conditions. We believe there is evidence suggesting that dogs are left being unattended for extended periods in a Government-licenced establishment.
Departmental Select Committee
Home Affairs Committee
Commons Select Committees are a formally established cross-party group of backbench MPs tasked with holding a Government department to account.
At any time there will be number of ongoing investigations into the work of the Department, or issues which fall within the oversight of the Department. Witnesses can be summoned from within the Government and outside to assist in these inquiries.
Select Committee findings are reported to the Commons, printed, and published on the Parliament website. The government then usually has 60 days to reply to the committee's recommendations.
11 Members of the Home Affairs Committee
Home Affairs Committee Member since 11th September 2024
Home Affairs Committee Member since 21st October 2024
Home Affairs Committee Member since 21st October 2024
Home Affairs Committee Member since 21st October 2024
Home Affairs Committee Member since 21st October 2024
Home Affairs Committee Member since 21st October 2024
Home Affairs Committee Member since 28th October 2024
Home Affairs Committee Member since 28th October 2024
Home Affairs Committee Member since 27th October 2025
Home Affairs Committee Member since 27th October 2025
Home Affairs Committee Member since 27th October 2025
Home Affairs Committee: Upcoming Events
Asylum and Returns Policy
16 Dec 2025, 2 p.m.
At 2:30pm: Oral evidence
Meghan Benton - Director for Global Programs at Migration Policy Institute
Dr Mihnea Cuibus - Researcher at Oxford Migration Observatory
Dr Rakib Ehsan - Senior Fellow at Policy Exchange
At 3:30pm: Oral evidence
Vicky Tennant, UNHCR Representative to the United Kingdom
Zoe Bantleman - Legal Director at Immigration Law Practitioners Association (ILPA)
Sohini Tanna - Policy & Advocacy Manager at British Red Cross
View calendar - Save to Calendar
Home Affairs Committee: 10 Current Inquiries
Home Affairs Committee: Previous Inquiries
50 most recent Written Questions
(View all written questions)The Animal Welfare (Sentience) Act 2022 recognises decapod crustaceans as sentient beings. The Government is committed to an evidence-based and proportionate approach to setting welfare standards for decapod crustaceans, both for those caught for human consumption and those used in scientific research.
The Home Office is carefully considering next steps, in collaboration with other relevant departments, on whether decapod crustaceans should be regulated under the Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986. No timeline has yet been set and decisions will follow further evidence gathering.
The Government is committed to non-animal alternatives in science and has published a strategy to support their development, validation and adoption. The strategy is available at:
Minister of State (Cabinet Office)
Tackling violence against women and girls (VAWG) in all of its forms, including abuse facilitated by technology, is a top priority for this government, with an unprecedented mission to halve it within a decade. The rapid development of technology has provided additional spaces for VAWG and equipped perpetrators with new ways to harass, intimidate, stalk and coerce women and girls. We will set out plans to address technology-facilitated VAWG in our forthcoming Strategy.
Following the Chancellor’s announcement on 11th June, we are working through the details of funding for tackling VAWG over the Spending Review period of 2026-2029. We will provide further details on funding when departmental budget allocations have been finalised
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Home Office)
The GLAA does not record ‘Complaints’ about licensed entities. Instead, it records ‘General Issues’ (referrals from members of the public, victims, workers, etc.) which may or may not be negative in nature.
Since 1 January 2025, the GLAA has received 11 ‘General Issues’ referrals relating to Scottish farms.
Since 1 January 2025, GLAA Officers have undertaken 16 in person inspection visits to farms in Scotland. These figures include compliance and enforcement inspections, as well as joint operations with other enforcement bodies.
As of November 2025, the GLAA has a total headcount of 117, with 2 members of staff currently based in Scotland.
The GLAA deploys members of staff from all over the UK to support operations wherever they are required. It is therefore not possible to provide an accurate breakdown of the number of staff who cover Scotland as part of their roles and responsibilities, as this will change depending on demand.
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Home Office)
Wendy Chamberlain
(Liberal Democrat - North East Fife)
The GLAA does not record ‘Complaints’ about licensed entities. Instead, it records ‘General Issues’ (referrals from members of the public, victims, workers, etc.) which may or may not be negative in nature.
Since 1 January 2025, the GLAA has received 11 ‘General Issues’ referrals relating to Scottish farms.
Since 1 January 2025, GLAA Officers have undertaken 16 in person inspection visits to farms in Scotland. These figures include compliance and enforcement inspections, as well as joint operations with other enforcement bodies.
As of November 2025, the GLAA has a total headcount of 117, with 2 members of staff currently based in Scotland.
The GLAA deploys members of staff from all over the UK to support operations wherever they are required. It is therefore not possible to provide an accurate breakdown of the number of staff who cover Scotland as part of their roles and responsibilities, as this will change depending on demand.
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Home Office)
Wendy Chamberlain
(Liberal Democrat - North East Fife)
The GLAA does not record ‘Complaints’ about licensed entities. Instead, it records ‘General Issues’ (referrals from members of the public, victims, workers, etc.) which may or may not be negative in nature.
Since 1 January 2025, the GLAA has received 11 ‘General Issues’ referrals relating to Scottish farms.
Since 1 January 2025, GLAA Officers have undertaken 16 in person inspection visits to farms in Scotland. These figures include compliance and enforcement inspections, as well as joint operations with other enforcement bodies.
As of November 2025, the GLAA has a total headcount of 117, with 2 members of staff currently based in Scotland.
The GLAA deploys members of staff from all over the UK to support operations wherever they are required. It is therefore not possible to provide an accurate breakdown of the number of staff who cover Scotland as part of their roles and responsibilities, as this will change depending on demand.
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Home Office)
On 9 December 2025 the Home Secretary announced to Parliament the appointment of Baroness Anne Longfield CBE as Chair of the new Independent Inquiry into Grooming Gangs, and Zoë Billingham CBE and Eleanor Kelly CBE as Panel.
The Chair will consult on the draft Terms of Reference published alongside this announcement with a view to making recommendations to the Home Secretary who will agree the final Terms of Reference in March 2026.
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Home Office)
On 9 December 2025 the Home Secretary announced to Parliament the appointment of Baroness Anne Longfield CBE as Chair of the new Independent Inquiry into Grooming Gangs, and Zoë Billingham CBE and Eleanor Kelly CBE as Panel.
The Chair will consult on the draft Terms of Reference published alongside this announcement with a view to making recommendations to the Home Secretary who will agree the final Terms of Reference in March 2026.
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Home Office)
The Government are working to move asylum seekers into more suitable accommodation such as military bases, to ease pressure on communities across the country.
It has been the longstanding policy of the Home Office under successive governments not to disclose information about specific hotels/sites which may or may not be used for asylum accommodation.
Minister of State (Home Office)
The Home Office are working with local authorities to manage the impact of asylum accommodation upon communities whilst the department reduces the number of asylum-seekers awaiting a decision.
The financial figure referenced by the Office for Budget Responsibility is taken from an NAO report from May 2025, and it covers the 10 year period 2019-2029 not the next 10 years; it includes peak levels of spending in previous years which is coming down – asylum support costs reduced by £700m between 23/24 and 24/25.
Minister of State (Home Office)
The Government are working to move asylum seekers into alternative accommodation such as military sites, to ease pressure on communities across the country.
No action has been taken on the assessment of the Office of Budget Responsibility at this point. However, we can confirm spend is already coming down below the level set out here.
Minister of State (Home Office)
We are tackling the criminal gangs abusing our borders and putting lives at risk, working closely with law enforcement and international partners to ensure they have the funding, tools and expertise necessary.
The Home Office will seek to prosecute immigration offences wherever there is sufficient evidence to do so. Cases are then referred to the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) where a decision on whether to prosecute is made. This decision is dependent upon the CPS’ assessment of the available evidence and whether or not it passes the CPS’ own public interest test.
Statistics published 27 November on GOV.UKshow there has been a 33% surge in people smuggling arrests, convictions and seizures of criminal cash and assets over the last 12 months.
The Border Security, Asylum and Immigration Act 2025 strengthens law enforcement agencies’ capabilities to tackle organised immigration crime and deter illegal migration. These powers will, for example, make it a criminal offence to put lives in danger during a small boat crossing with offenders facing up to 6 years in prison. The Act's impact assessment analyses how enhanced sentencing powers and new offences are expected to disrupt organised immigration crime, making smuggling operations riskier and less profitable.
The CPS has welcomed the package of new offences as it equips prosecutors with another tool to fight organised immigration crime, especially those involving dangerous Channel crossings.
Minister of State (Home Office)
After reasonable checks, the Home Office does not seem to have supported either organisation mentioned.
Minister of State (Home Office)
The Home Office is working with local authorities to develop several potential asylum accommodation models that could ‘pilot’ a more sustainable, flexible and collaborative outcome. Decisions on the provision of alternative asylum accommodation sites will be made on a site-by-site basis, and we will continue to work closely with key stakeholders and in compliance with published policy.
Minister of State (Home Office)
The Home Office is working with local authorities to develop several potential asylum accommodation models that could ‘pilot’ a more sustainable, flexible and collaborative outcome. Decisions on the provision of alternative asylum accommodation sites will be made on a site-by-site basis, and we will continue to work closely with key stakeholders and in compliance with published policy.
Minister of State (Home Office)
The Home Office publishes data on asylum in the ‘Immigration System Statistics Quarterly Release’. Data on the number of individuals transferred out of the UK under the Dublin regulation is published in the Dublin regulation detailed dataset (Dub_D01). Information on how to use the dataset can be found in the ‘Notes’ page of the workbook. The data relates up to the end of 2020, after which the UK was no longer subject to the Dublin regulation.
Minister of State (Home Office)
The Home Office does not purchase vapes for people held in immigration detention, and no public money is spent on the purchase of these or any other goods sold at immigration removal centres.
Following a comprehensive review of asylum support, we have taken decisive action to block spending on non-essential goods and services on ASPEN cards and implement enhanced due diligence measures.
Minister of State (Home Office)
The Government recognises that there can be challenges in responding to rural crime. That is why we collaborated with the National Police Chiefs’ Councils to deliver the renewal of their Rural and Wildlife Crime Strategy, which was published in November. The strategy, lasting until 2028, will ensure efforts to reduce crime benefit every community no matter where they are, including rural communities.
Furthermore, the Neighbourhood Policing Guarantee will strengthen the connections between the police and the communities they serve, and clearly demonstrate to the public that the police are dealing with local concerns. Every neighbourhood, including in rural areas, now has named and contactable officers, supporting more visible policing and greater public confidence.
I have met with Police and Crime Commissioners at their rural conference to discuss rural policing.
Minister of State (Home Office)
In March this year, the National Crime Agency coordinated a three-week crackdown (Operation MACHINIZE) against business premises such as barber shops and other cash intensive businesses across England and Wales. Operation MACHINIZE involved 19 different police forces and Regional Organised Crime Units, as well as national agencies including HM Revenue & Customs, Trading Standards and Home Office Immigration Enforcement. In total, 380 premises were visited across the three-week operation with officers securing freezing orders over bank accounts totalling in excess of one million pounds, executing 84 warrants and arresting 35 individuals.
This has been followed by a second phase of activity throughout October which involved every UK police force and Regional Organised Crime Unit. During the operation, which targeted a broader range of businesses, the operation saw: 2,734 premises visited and raided; 924 individuals arrested; over £13m of suspected criminal proceeds seized or restrained; and over £2.7m worth of illicit commodities destroyed.
At the Budget 2025, the Chancellor announced a new dedicated cross-government taskforce to design systemic interventions to disrupt money laundering and related criminality on the high street, as well as new funding for operational partners such as law enforcement and Trading Standards to tackle this threat.
Minister of State (Home Office)
Jim McMahon
(Labour (Co-op) - Oldham West, Chadderton and Royton)
The UK and Ireland have a close and collaborative working relationship on a range of issues, including migration and border security. That collaboration includes a joint commitment to protect the Common Travel Area from abuse, while preserving the rights of British and Irish citizens.
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Home Office)
We are committed to reducing Violence against Women and Girls and this means continuing to support migrant victims of domestic abuse on spousal or partner visas.
That is why we offer immediate settlement for migrant victims of domestic abuse, under the Immigration Rules (Appendix Victim of Domestic Abuse (Appendix VDA)) for those granted permission to stay as a spouse or partner under the family Immigration Rules.
We consulted with a range of expert stakeholders including refuge service providers, specialist migrant domestic abuse charities, and the Domestic Abuse Commissioner when we published the first version of the Appendix VDA casework guidance in January 2024 to capture the significant cultural and language barriers that exist for migrant victims.
All applications under Appendix VDA are made directly to a specialist and experienced decision-making team to consider all the information and evidence provided to decide whether, on the balance of probabilities, the applicant can be granted settlement as a victim of domestic abuse. They are explicitly instructed to deal with cases sensitively, flexibly and cooperatively giving applicants support to demonstrate their eligibility where this is needed.
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Home Office)
The Government values the UK’s close cultural and historical ties with its fellow Commonwealth countries. This is reflected in our immigration system by the UK Ancestry visa, which allows Commonwealth citizens with a UK-born grandparent to live and work in the UK.
The Home Office keeps all visa routes under regular review. While we have no current plans to reform the UK Ancestry route specifically, we have set out a number of proposed reforms to the wider immigration system in the Immigration White Paper, published on 12 May. On 20 November we launched a public consultation on our new earned settlement model, and we encourage interested parties to take part. Details of any changes will be set out in due course in the usual way.
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Home Office)
In line with our Public Sector Equality Duty, Equality Impact Assessments are undertaken for new policies to ensure that there are no unintended or disproportionate impacts on people with protected characteristics. This includes consideration of nationalities.
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Home Office)
The Home Office publishes the fees charged and the estimated unit cost of processing immigration and nationality applications on Gov.UK. This can be reviewed via the following link: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/visa-fees-transparency-data.
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Home Office)
UKVI does not produce published visa data related to individual sponsors.
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Home Office)
UKVI does not produce published visa data related to individual sponsors.
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Home Office)
UKVI does not produce published data on seasonal worker visa scheme compliance visits.
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Home Office)
The financial requirements of the Family Immigration Rules are currently under review following the independent report of the Migration Advisory Committee, published in June. However, the rules already provide for the Minimum Income Requirement (MIR) to be met with savings, either on their own or combined with other forms of income, including pension income. Full details can be found at: Chapter 08 – appendix FM family members: caseworker guidance - GOV.UK
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Home Office)
We welcome reports from a variety of organisations and sources.
The Government's approach to threats to the UK is kept under constant review. We continually assess the threat picture and commit to working closely with a wide range of experts and partners to ensure our approach remains fit for purpose.
We do not comment on individual cases.
Minister of State (Home Office)
The Statutory Instrument to amend the Public Order Act 2023 does not alter the Government’s commitment to phasing out animal testing or maintaining high standards of animal welfare. All establishments licensed under the Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986 (ASPA) will remain subject to its full requirements. ASPA provides a robust regulatory framework that protects animals in science, including compliance checks and audits by the Home Office.
It is anticipated that amendments to the Public Order Act can help to safeguard animal welfare through enabling scientific establishments to continue their operations in compliance with ASPA without disruptions which could put at risk their activity to protect animals.
The Animals in Science Regulation Unit conducts announced and unannounced audits to ensure establishments comply with licence conditions, the Code of Practice, and ASPA. The Home Office has published guidance on administering and enforcing ASPA, alongside a Code of Practice that sets standards for the care and accommodation of animals used for scientific purposes.
The UK’s legal framework already requires that animals are only used in science where no validated alternatives exist. The Government is accelerating efforts to develop and adopt these alternatives. In November 2025 the Government published a strategy setting out a long-term vision for a world where the use of animals in science is eliminated except in exceptional circumstances, by creating a research and innovation system that drives the development and validation of alternative methods.
Minister of State (Cabinet Office)
The Statutory Instrument to amend the Public Order Act 2023 does not alter the Government’s commitment to phasing out animal testing or maintaining high standards of animal welfare. All establishments licensed under the Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986 (ASPA) will remain subject to its full requirements. ASPA provides a robust regulatory framework that protects animals in science, including compliance checks and audits by the Home Office.
It is anticipated that amendments to the Public Order Act can help to safeguard animal welfare through enabling scientific establishments to continue their operations in compliance with ASPA without disruptions which could put at risk their activity to protect animals.
The Animals in Science Regulation Unit conducts announced and unannounced audits to ensure establishments comply with licence conditions, the Code of Practice, and ASPA. The Home Office has published guidance on administering and enforcing ASPA, alongside a Code of Practice that sets standards for the care and accommodation of animals used for scientific purposes.
The UK’s legal framework already requires that animals are only used in science where no validated alternatives exist. The Government is accelerating efforts to develop and adopt these alternatives. In November 2025 the Government published a strategy setting out a long-term vision for a world where the use of animals in science is eliminated except in exceptional circumstances, by creating a research and innovation system that drives the development and validation of alternative methods.
Minister of State (Cabinet Office)
The first duty of this Government is to keep the country safe. Any attempt by any foreign state to intimidate, harass or harm individuals in the UK will not be tolerated, irrespective of the perpetrating country.
The Government has conducted a comprehensive review of the UK’s response to transnational repression (TNR) and found that the UK has tools and system-wide safeguards in place to robustly counter this threat. In particular, the National Security Act 2023 has provided a comprehensive suite of powers to counter activity amounting to TNR.
The police and intelligence services have mature mechanisms to continually assess potential threats in the UK. They use a wide range of tactics to counter the most acute forms of state-directed threats and protect those individuals identified as at risk. On 4 March, I announced a new package of training for frontline police officers and staff to improve law enforcement’s ability to detect and investigate incidents which may be state-directed.
Guidance is available on GOV.UK to provide those who believe themselves to be at-risk of TNR with practical advice for their safety both physically and online. Anyone who thinks they might be a victim should report incidents or suspicious activity to the Police via 101, a local police station, or 999 in emergencies.
Minister of State (Cabinet Office)
We continually assess potential threats in the UK using a multi-source model, drawing on intelligence assessments, engagement with international partners, and insights from civil society and affected individuals. In 2024, policing introduced a new recording system to capture reports that may include foreign interference, including TNR.
The Home Office is also developing official statistics for the National Security Act, which will include relevant offences that could amount to TNR.
The Government takes the protection of individuals’ rights, freedoms, and safety very seriously, and will continue to strengthen its understanding of TNR and ensure that systems to detect, deter, and counter this activity remain effective and proportionate.
Minister of State (Cabinet Office)
Lord McCrea of Magherafelt and Cookstown
(Democratic Unionist Party - Life peer)
To ensure full independent scrutiny, the Home Secretary has commissioned His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services (HMICFRS) to inspect how police forces in England and Wales provide risk assessment advice to local Safety Advisory Groups and other bodies responsible for licensing high-profile public events. HMICFRS has been asked to provide an initial response on the Aston Villa v Maccabi Tel Aviv match by 31 December.
Additionally, the Home Affairs Select Committee held an evidence session on 1 December to examine the decision-making process and intelligence assessments. The government awaits the Committee’s findings.
Minister of State (Home Office)
Freedom of religion or belief, and freedom of expression are fundamental human rights. The government is committed to ensuring that individuals are protected from discrimination on the basis of religion or belief, and that they are able to hold and manifest their beliefs in a reasonable and lawful manner.
Section 9 of the Public Order Act 2023 introduced safe access zones of 150 metres around all abortion clinics in England and Wales. Within these zones, it is an offence to intentionally or recklessly influence someone’s decision to use or provide abortion services, obstruct them, or cause harassment or distress.
The legislation on safe access zones does not specify behaviours; it is for the police, Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) and courts, who are operationally independent, to determine whether an act meets the threshold. CPS guidance confirms that vigils or silent prayer could fall within scope depending on intent and circumstances (in annex A): https://www.cps.gov.uk/legal-guidance/offences-during-protests-demonstrations-or-campaigns.
Minister of State (Home Office)
The Home Office does not collect data from police about suicides they have attended and has no current plans to do so.
Minister of State (Home Office)
Severe Weather Emergency Protocol (SWEP) protocols are now recognised standard operational practice in the Home Office.
Where SWEP is activated in a local authority area, if Service Users at the end of their move on period have not secured onward accommodation and are due to be evicted from asylum accommodation, Accommodation Providers will not actively pursue eviction, and this will be delayed.
Minister of State (Home Office)
All visa applicants are required to provide their biographic and biometric data to enable a range of security checks to be completed, including criminality checks.
Robust security checks are being undertaken on all individuals who enter the UK through the process to support eligible students to exit Gaza. Biometrics are collected as part of the visa application process and prior to travel to the UK.
The Home Office uses various tools to detect and disrupt travel by terrorists, by criminals and by individuals excluded from the UK; previously deported from the UK; or using lost, stolen or revoked documents and visas. This includes the use of domestic and international watchlists. The Home Office works with both law enforcement and wider government partners to ensure appropriate action is taken before travel or at the border when individuals of concern are identified. It would not be appropriate to provide further information about the nature and scope of security checks.
Minister of State (Home Office)
All police forces in England and Wales continue to record non-crime hate incidents (NCHIs) and retain them as intelligence, making local decisions, as appropriate on whether further investigation is appropriate. The Home Office does not collate data on NCHIs.
The College of Policing and the National Police Chiefs’ Council are currently undertaking a review of NCHIs, working closely with the Home Office. We look forward to receiving the final recommendations of the review shortly and will consider them carefully.
Minister of State (Home Office)
The Government continues to engage with the French Ministry of the Interior and Police aux Frontieres about border control at St Pancras, including on plans for EES and ETIAS. We are working closely with Eurostar and London St Pancras Highspeed to support them in mitigating any disruption. Ultimately outbound border control, including pre-registration for EES and automation at St Pancras is a matter for the French authorities and industry.
For inbound travel to St Pancras, the UK Electronic Travel Authorisation check takes place ahead of travel to the UK, therefore this has no impact on outbound border control at St Pancras.
Minister of State (Home Office)
The Government continues to engage with the French Ministry of the Interior and Police aux Frontieres about border control at St Pancras, including on plans for EES and ETIAS. We are working closely with Eurostar and London St Pancras Highspeed to support them in mitigating any disruption. Ultimately outbound border control, including pre-registration for EES and automation at St Pancras is a matter for the French authorities and industry.
For inbound travel to St Pancras, the UK Electronic Travel Authorisation check takes place ahead of travel to the UK, therefore this has no impact on outbound border control at St Pancras.
Minister of State (Home Office)
The Government continues to engage with the French Ministry of the Interior and Police aux Frontieres about border control at St Pancras, including on plans for EES and ETIAS. We are working closely with Eurostar and London St Pancras Highspeed to support them in mitigating any disruption. Ultimately outbound border control, including pre-registration for EES and automation at St Pancras is a matter for the French authorities and industry.
For inbound travel to St Pancras, the UK Electronic Travel Authorisation check takes place ahead of travel to the UK, therefore this has no impact on outbound border control at St Pancras.
Minister of State (Home Office)
We have carried out an assessment of the compatibility of the provisions in the Sentencing Bill which relate to the removal of foreign criminals from the UK with Article 2 of the Windsor Framework.
The Government is currently appealing the scope and operation of Article 2 of the Windsor Framework before the higher Courts.
However, it is the Government’s view that the provisions are compatible with Article 2.
Minister of State (Home Office)
The current deportation regime applies in Northern Ireland as it does in the rest of the UK. It is the government’s view that deportation powers are consistent across the UK and that clause 42 will apply UK wide.
We will do everything we can to remove foreign criminals and protect the public in Northern Ireland and all other parts of the UK.
Minister of State (Home Office)
We have carried out an assessment of the compatibility of the Bill with Article 2 of the Northern Ireland Protocol and the Windsor Framework.
The Government is currently appealing the scope and operation of Article 2 of the Windsor Framework before the higher Courts.
It is the Government’s view that [the Bill] is compatible with the Protocol and the Framework.
Minister of State (Home Office)
The Government’s approach is to link migration policy and visa controls to skills and labour market policies, so that immigration is not used as an alternative to training or tackling workforce problems in the UK. This approach will be important to enabling delivery of the Government’s broader agenda.
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Home Office)
When assessing salaries for visa purposes, our approach is consistent with that taken in national minimum wage guidance, which states:
‘If you pay a salaried worker their normal salary while they are absent from work and this forms a part of their employment contract, the time of the absence counts towards the worker’s time worked for minimum wage purposes. For example, during rest breaks, lunch breaks, holidays, sickness absence or maternity / paternity / adoption leave.’
We do not plan to change our approach, as it could open up inconsistencies with wider employment regulation.
A decision on whether to amend employment contracts, so that salaries reflect the actual hours worked, would be for an employer to make.
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Home Office)
The cost of providing the information requested would result in disproportionate cost.
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Home Office)
The cost of providing the information requested would result in disproportionate cost.
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Home Office)
Tanmanjeet Singh Dhesi
(Labour - Slough)
This Government is committed to protecting the right of individuals to freely practise their religion at their chosen place of worship, and to making our streets and communities safer.
Global and domestic events have heightened security concerns within faith communities, which has led to a significant increase in demand for protective security schemes offered by the Home Office. Additionally, following the violent disorder last year, the Home Office set up rapid security services to safeguard mosques and other places of worship. Delivering this support to a large number of places of worship has unfortunately also contributed to delays in processing applications for longer-term security measures.
I can assure you the Home Office is working as quickly as it can to process applications.
Minister of State (Cabinet Office)