Home Department

The Home Secretary, Yvette Cooper, opened the debate by outlining the Government's position on several key issues. On the topic of a Scottish visa scheme, she stated that the Government would not be introducing such a scheme or devolving control of immigration policy, and instead would work with the Scottish Government to address the underlying causes of skills shortages and overseas recruitment. The Shadow Home Secretary, James Cleverly, then responded, challenging the Home Secretary on the funding of asylum accommodation costs and accusing the Government of drawing down from Treasury reserves to pay for these costs, a claim the Home Secretary rejected. The debate that followed covered a wide range of topics, including efforts to tackle fraud and economic crime, the importance of neighbourhood policing, the Government's approach to preventing young people from becoming involved in violent crime, and the policing of protests. Several members raised concerns about the adequacy of legislation on the policing of protests, with the Minister for Policing, Fire and Crime Prevention, Dame Diana Johnson, acknowledging the need for post-legislative scrutiny of the legislation passed by the previous Government. The issue of police funding and the impact of cuts to police numbers under the previous Conservative government was also discussed, with the Government committing to the recruitment of 13,000 new police officers, PCSOs and specials. The debate also touched on the Government's approach to tackling small boat crossings and organised immigration crime, with the Home Secretary outlining the establishment of a new border security command to strengthen collaboration with international partners. The protection of women and girls, both online and in the physical world, was also raised as a key priority for the Government. Throughout the debate, the Home Secretary and her ministerial team sought to address the concerns raised by members on both sides of the House, emphasising the Government's commitment to restoring public trust and confidence in policing, tackling serious crime, and supporting vulnerable members of society.