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Evidence session on Channel Crossings with immigration lawyers, Migration Observatory, Migration Watch and British Future

17 November 2020

The Home Affairs Committee will take evidence from maritime and immigration lawyers and representatives of Migration Watch, The Migration Observatory and British Future on Wednesday 18 November as it continues its inquiry into Channel Crossings, migration and asylum-seeking routes through the EU.

Purpose of the session

The session will investigate maritime law in relation to migrants crossing the Channel in small boats, the UK’s international legal obligations regarding refugees and the implications of international agreements, including the Dublin Regulation.

It will examine the impact of the UK’s current policies on asylum seekers and refugees, including ‘safe first country’ return and rights to family reunion for unaccompanied asylum-seeking children, and the implications of the end of the UK’s transition period on 31 December 2020

The Committee will also take evidence on the broader trends in the number of people attempting to cross the Channel in small boats and asylum applications in general.

Witnesses

At 10am

  • David Blundell QC, Landmark Chambers
  • Ainhoa Campas Velasco, Southampton University
  • Michelle Knorr, Doughty Street Chambers

At 11am

  • Alp Mehmet, Migration Watch
  • Jill Rutter, British Future
  • Dr Peter Walsh, Migration Observatory

Further information

Image: Parliamentary Copyright