Migration: Middle East and North Africa

Debate between Lord Keen of Elie and Earl of Sandwich

Thursday 12th May 2016 Lords Chamber

[Lord Keen of Elie]

There have been indications of improvement in the governance of Libya, but it remains a difficult and problematic area—of that there can be no question. However, this Government are dedicated to addressing these problems at source. That is where the solution will be found.

[The Earl of Sandwich (CB)]

My Lords, the Minister mentioned trafficking in north Africa. Will he update us on the Khartoum process, which was meant to solve some of these problems? Does he think that entry into that process will lead us into collaboration with some authoritarian regimes in north Africa at the expense of asylum seekers?

[Lord Keen of Elie]

We would certainly not want to be drawn into agreement with authoritarian regimes in that part of Africa. However, it is necessary, as I said, to address these problems at source.