Question to the Home Office:

To ask Her Majesty’s Government what efforts they are making to recognise and meet the genuine need those attempting to enter the United Kingdom at Calais; and what efforts they are making to contribute to finding solutions to the problems arising out of large-scale global migration.

The UK and French Governments have been working together closely for many months to address the situation in northern France, and are committed to resolving it together.

The declaration signed by the Home Secretary and the French Interior Minister, on 20 August, cements a comprehensive programme of work between our two countries.

As part of this, the two Governments agreed that there will be increased observation in the camp in Calais to identify those migrants who are especially vulnerable or potential victims of trafficking. A system for transferring those who are especially vulnerable to places of safety and to offer those people advice and support will also be put in place, within broader arrangements the Republic of France already has.

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.