Asked by: Chris Philp (Conservative - Croydon South)
Question to the Home Office:
To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, whether she has had discussions with the security services on the monitoring of foreign offenders who may be crossing the Channel to avoid justice for crimes they have committed in other European countries.
Answered by Dan Jarvis - Minister of State (Cabinet Office)
We have launched the Border Security Command (BSC) whose work is imperative not only to stop criminals from entering the UK via small boats in the first place but to stop anyone from making these dangerous journeys. This is why the BSC is working with partners internationally to tackle and disrupt organised immigration crime gangs.
All individuals arriving in the UK via small boats undergo a comprehensive screening process. This is designed to gather key information about each person, including any indicators of criminality.
As part of this process, the Home Office collects biometric data—such as facial images and fingerprints—to verify identity. These biometrics are checked against Home Office systems and other law enforcement databases, including Interpol’s wanted list. This enables us to identify individuals, assess whether they pose a risk to public safety, and determine any breaches of immigration law. These checks are essential to maintaining a secure, fair, and effective immigration system.
In line with the Refugee Convention, refugee status will be denied to those who have committed serious crimes, pose a danger to the community, or present a threat to national security.
For further details on security checks during the asylum screening process, please refer to: Screening and routing
This process also ensures that individuals who should not be granted bail are identified promptly.
I am unable to comment specifically on discussions with the Security Service given that, for reasons for national security, it has been a long-standing position that the Government does not comment on intelligence matters.
Asked by: Chris Philp (Conservative - Croydon South)
Question to the Home Office:
To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, when the decision on whether to use Crowborough Training Camp to accommodate asylum seekers will be taken; by whom the decision will be taken; and what is is the mechanism for taking that decision.
Answered by Alex Norris - Minister of State (Home Office)
It remains our intention to use Crowborough Training Camp to accommodateasylum seekers, subject to the outcome of feasibility assessments. We areconfident that the level of due diligence carried out on alternativeaccommodation sites has improved, and we ensure that the relevantapprovals and assessments take place at the appropriate stage.The Home Office has been engaging with statutory partners for Crowborough,including Health, Police and Fire Rescue, on this proposal and will work withlocal authority and cross-government media teams to ensure ongoingcoordination and alignment to deliver consistent messaging and rapidresponse to emerging issues. Multi- Agency Forums chaired by Home Officewith key delivery partners will take place at least fortnightly pre-delivery, aswell as post go-live and we are working closely with key stakeholdersincluding local health partners to minimise the impact on the local community.Regarding Community and Equality Impact Assessments, assessments willbe carried out as part of the standard process for alternative sites and will bepublished as appropriate
Asked by: Chris Philp (Conservative - Croydon South)
Question to the Home Office:
To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, how local residents will be formally consulted prior to a decision being taken on whether to use Crowborough Training Camp to accommodate asylum seekers.
Answered by Alex Norris - Minister of State (Home Office)
It remains our intention to use Crowborough Training Camp to accommodateasylum seekers, subject to the outcome of feasibility assessments. We areconfident that the level of due diligence carried out on alternativeaccommodation sites has improved, and we ensure that the relevantapprovals and assessments take place at the appropriate stage.The Home Office has been engaging with statutory partners for Crowborough,including Health, Police and Fire Rescue, on this proposal and will work withlocal authority and cross-government media teams to ensure ongoingcoordination and alignment to deliver consistent messaging and rapidresponse to emerging issues. Multi- Agency Forums chaired by Home Officewith key delivery partners will take place at least fortnightly pre-delivery, aswell as post go-live and we are working closely with key stakeholdersincluding local health partners to minimise the impact on the local community.Regarding Community and Equality Impact Assessments, assessments willbe carried out as part of the standard process for alternative sites and will bepublished as appropriate
Asked by: Chris Philp (Conservative - Croydon South)
Question to the Home Office:
To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, if she will consult (a) Wealden District Council, (b) other affected local councils and (c) statutory service providers prior to a decision being taken on whether to use Crowborough Training Camp to accommodate asylum seekers.
Answered by Alex Norris - Minister of State (Home Office)
It remains our intention to use Crowborough Training Camp to accommodateasylum seekers, subject to the outcome of feasibility assessments. We areconfident that the level of due diligence carried out on alternativeaccommodation sites has improved, and we ensure that the relevantapprovals and assessments take place at the appropriate stage.The Home Office has been engaging with statutory partners for Crowborough,including Health, Police and Fire Rescue, on this proposal and will work withlocal authority and cross-government media teams to ensure ongoingcoordination and alignment to deliver consistent messaging and rapidresponse to emerging issues. Multi- Agency Forums chaired by Home Officewith key delivery partners will take place at least fortnightly pre-delivery, aswell as post go-live and we are working closely with key stakeholdersincluding local health partners to minimise the impact on the local community.Regarding Community and Equality Impact Assessments, assessments willbe carried out as part of the standard process for alternative sites and will bepublished as appropriate
Asked by: Chris Philp (Conservative - Croydon South)
Question to the Home Office:
To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what assurances she has received from statutory service providers that they could meet the needs arising from the use of the Crowborough Training Camp site to accommodate asylum seekers.
Answered by Alex Norris - Minister of State (Home Office)
As potential sites are identified and progressed for alternative asylum accommodation, a Stage Gate process, which builds on the lessons learned from the delivery of previous sites, is followed to ensure that any decisions made are informed by a comprehensive range of information. This includes, but isn’t limited to, site surveys and environmental audits.
Regarding Crowborough, the Home Office has been engaging with statutory partners, including Health, Police and Fire Rescue, on this proposal and we will ensure that the site operates safely, with mitigations for local impacts such as on local services.
All alternative accommodation sites, including Crowborough, will provide basic, functional, and humane accommodation while asylum claims are processed.
Asked by: Chris Philp (Conservative - Croydon South)
Question to the Home Office:
To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what factors her Department has had regard to in making its assessment as to the suitability of the Crowborough Training Camp site to accommodate asylum seekers.
Answered by Alex Norris - Minister of State (Home Office)
As potential sites are identified and progressed for alternative asylum accommodation, a Stage Gate process, which builds on the lessons learned from the delivery of previous sites, is followed to ensure that any decisions made are informed by a comprehensive range of information. This includes, but isn’t limited to, site surveys and environmental audits.
Regarding Crowborough, the Home Office has been engaging with statutory partners, including Health, Police and Fire Rescue, on this proposal and we will ensure that the site operates safely, with mitigations for local impacts such as on local services.
All alternative accommodation sites, including Crowborough, will provide basic, functional, and humane accommodation while asylum claims are processed.
Asked by: Chris Philp (Conservative - Croydon South)
Question to the Home Office:
To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, if she will publish all assessments made by her Department on the adequacy of the Crowborough Training Camp site for accommodating asylum seekers.
Answered by Alex Norris - Minister of State (Home Office)
As potential sites are identified and progressed for alternative asylum accommodation, a Stage Gate process, which builds on the lessons learned from the delivery of previous sites, is followed to ensure that any decisions made are informed by a comprehensive range of information. This includes, but isn’t limited to, site surveys and environmental audits.
Regarding Crowborough, the Home Office has been engaging with statutory partners, including Health, Police and Fire Rescue, on this proposal and we will ensure that the site operates safely, with mitigations for local impacts such as on local services.
All alternative accommodation sites, including Crowborough, will provide basic, functional, and humane accommodation while asylum claims are processed.
Asked by: Chris Philp (Conservative - Croydon South)
Question to the Home Office:
To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, when (a) Wealden District Council and (b) local communities will be informed of the decision on whether to use Crowborough Training Camp to accommodate asylum seekers.
Answered by Alex Norris - Minister of State (Home Office)
It remains our intention to use Crowborough Training Camp to accommodateasylum seekers, subject to the outcome of feasibility assessments. We areconfident that the level of due diligence carried out on alternativeaccommodation sites has improved, and we ensure that the relevantapprovals and assessments take place at the appropriate stage.The Home Office has been engaging with statutory partners for Crowborough,including Health, Police and Fire Rescue, on this proposal and will work withlocal authority and cross-government media teams to ensure ongoingcoordination and alignment to deliver consistent messaging and rapidresponse to emerging issues. Multi- Agency Forums chaired by Home Officewith key delivery partners will take place at least fortnightly pre-delivery, aswell as post go-live and we are working closely with key stakeholdersincluding local health partners to minimise the impact on the local community.Regarding Community and Equality Impact Assessments, assessments willbe carried out as part of the standard process for alternative sites and will bepublished as appropriate
Asked by: Chris Philp (Conservative - Croydon South)
Question to the Home Office:
To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, if she will publish a community impact assessment and an Equalities Impact Assessment of the potential use of Crowborough Training Camp to accommodate asylum seekers.
Answered by Alex Norris - Minister of State (Home Office)
It remains our intention to use Crowborough Training Camp to accommodateasylum seekers, subject to the outcome of feasibility assessments. We areconfident that the level of due diligence carried out on alternativeaccommodation sites has improved, and we ensure that the relevantapprovals and assessments take place at the appropriate stage.The Home Office has been engaging with statutory partners for Crowborough,including Health, Police and Fire Rescue, on this proposal and will work withlocal authority and cross-government media teams to ensure ongoingcoordination and alignment to deliver consistent messaging and rapidresponse to emerging issues. Multi- Agency Forums chaired by Home Officewith key delivery partners will take place at least fortnightly pre-delivery, aswell as post go-live and we are working closely with key stakeholdersincluding local health partners to minimise the impact on the local community.Regarding Community and Equality Impact Assessments, assessments willbe carried out as part of the standard process for alternative sites and will bepublished as appropriate
Asked by: Chris Philp (Conservative - Croydon South)
Question to the Home Office:
To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what assessment her Department has made of whether an Environmental Impact Assessment is required for the use of the Crowborough Training Camp site to accommodate asylum seekers.
Answered by Alex Norris - Minister of State (Home Office)
As potential sites are identified and progressed for alternative asylum accommodation, a Stage Gate process, which builds on the lessons learned from the delivery of previous sites, is followed to ensure that any decisions made are informed by a comprehensive range of information. This includes, but isn’t limited to, site surveys and environmental audits.
Regarding Crowborough, the Home Office has been engaging with statutory partners, including Health, Police and Fire Rescue, on this proposal and we will ensure that the site operates safely, with mitigations for local impacts such as on local services.
All alternative accommodation sites, including Crowborough, will provide basic, functional, and humane accommodation while asylum claims are processed.