IN JANUARY, the Prime Minister set out his five promises – to halve inflation, grow the economy, reduce debt, cut waiting lists and stop the boats.
In delivering on these promises, the Government has recently introduced the Illegal Migration Bill in the House of Commons.
Some 45,000 people crossed the Channel in small boats last year – up from 300 four years earlier. Action is therefore needed.
The Bill will make it clear that if you enter Britain illegally from a safe country, you will be detained and swiftly removed back to your home country if it is safe, or to a safe third country.
This will break the business model of people-smuggling networks, save lives, and free up capacity so we can better support those in genuine need of protection through safe and legal routes.
In the past couple of weeks, we have also seen significant changes with regards to Northern Ireland, as the Prime Minister met the President of the European Commission to agree The Windsor Framework.
This new arrangement replaces the old Northern Ireland Protocol and provides a new legal and UK constitutional framework, whilst protecting Northern Ireland’s place within our union and restoring the balance of the Belfast (Good Friday) Agreement in all its dimensions.
More generally, it has been another busy period in Parliament. I was pleased to attend a reception by the British Healthcare Trades Association recently, where it was great to discuss the work being done to support our healthcare and assistive technology industries.
February also marked National Apprenticeship Week and I was delighted to meet my constituent Fiona Whiting at the Hospitality Apprenticeship Showcase in Parliament to learn more about the great apprenticeship opportunities available in the hospitality industry.
Meanwhile, my Ministerial responsibilities also keep me busy. A particular highlight of recent weeks was a Ministerial visit to Wales to discuss how exports will benefit from our free trade arrangements with Australia and New Zealand.
I greatly enjoyed tasting the fine sea salts at Halen Mon – exporting from the Isle of Anglesey – and visiting the copper mine at Parys Mountain to discuss how we can revive the industry and create new jobs on Anglesey.
Nigel Huddleston
Mid Worcestershire MP
