Oral question asked in the House of Lords, by Baroness Williams of Crosby (Liberal Democrat). It was answered on Monday, 11 June 2007.

Iraq: Refugees

Question: My Lords, does the Minister agree that Jordan is not only one of our closest allies in the Middle East but that its stability is crucial to middle-eastern strategy? Will she therefore consider the possibility of a discussion between the United Kingdom Government and Jordan, which have been very close allies for a long time, on the best way in which we can help Jordan to deal with its huge inflow of refugees? Secondly, on her very helpful answer to my noble friend Lady Northover, will she agree to keep a very close eye on the bureaucratic systems of the Home Office, which, to be frank, can stand in the way of people with a genuine need to come to this country because they have helped the British Government during the Iraq war, to enable them to be sure that they can look for safety in this country if they are already in danger?

Answer: My Lords, one of our responsibilities towards neighbouring countries is to try to lessen the tension that has been building up in them as a result of refugees fleeing into them. Jordan remains very important in that regard, and we will continue to talk to it, to Kuwait and to other countries in the region. The Home Office must try to get the balance right between having a system thatis robust but that can take on board the many different circumstances that exist in different partsof the world. That is why it works with up-to-date, country-specific data, to enable it to take the right decisions in these cases.

Secondary information

Type: Oral question
Reference: 692 c1465-6
Session: 2006-07
Oral question type: Supplementary
Chamber / Committee: House of Lords chamber
Subjects: Armed conflict Development aid Iraq Refugees Internally displaced people Iraq conflict
Link: View this Oral question on www.publications.parliament.uk