Question to the Home Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what steps she is taking to end the practice of illegal migration in small boats; and if she will make a statement.

The UK is playing its full part in dealing with the immediate situation in the Mediterranean, to prevent further loss of life at sea. The Prime Minister offered UK operational assets to support efforts, coordinated by Italy and Frontex’s Operation Triton.

However, we need to break the link between getting on a boat and achieving residence in Europe. That is why the UK is also playing a leading role in pushing for comprehensive, long-term action through the EU and the UN to tackle the causes of illegal immigration and the organised trafficking gangs behind it, as well as increasing support and protection for those who need it in North and East Africa.