Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Kelly Tolhurst and Brandon Lewis

Monday 3rd July 2017 Commons Chamber

[Kelly Tolhurst (Rochester and Strood) (Con)]

Kent continues to be one of the main points of entry to the UK for illegal workers. Will my right hon. Friend update the House on what steps the Government are taking to make it easier for businesses in Kent and elsewhere to identify whether someone is working here illegally?

[The Minister for Immigration (Brandon Lewis)]

We implemented the Immigration Act 2016 to make illegal working a criminal offence so that the profits can be seized as the proceeds of crime. The Act also introduces new, stronger sanctions against employers of illegal workers. There is a balance to be struck in ensuring that people are checking whether someone has a passport, if they are from the EU, or has leave or the right to work here, if they are not from the EU. If businesses have done those checks, they are in a position to defend themselves against any action, which is appropriate.

Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Kelly Tolhurst and Brandon Lewis

Monday 8th February 2016 Commons Chamber

[Brandon Lewis]

If the hon. Gentleman reads the answer I gave earlier, he will see that we have already outlined a one-year delay. We are also looking at the implications before the 2018 introduction and are working closely on it with the sector at the moment.

[Kelly Tolhurst (Rochester and Strood) (Con)]

Medway Council is currently working on its local plan. Could the Minister give an update on the work of the expert panel, which was set up in September to help streamline the local plan process?