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Written question asked by Lord Higgins (Conservative) on Thursday, 17 September 2015, in the House of Lords. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 1 October 2015. It was answered by Lord Bates (Conservative) on Monday, 5 October 2015 on behalf of the Home Office.


Refugees: Mediterranean Sea

Question

To ask Her Majesty’s Government whether they plan to take steps to ensure that the United Kingdom can decide where to land migrants rescued from the Mediterranean by the Royal Navy, so as to ensure that they are not landed in the European Union.

Answer

Under international law the UK has a duty not to return people who are rescued at sea to countries where they would be at risk of serious harm. That is why migrants rescued at sea are taken to Italy as this is considered the nearest safe country.

But we are pushing for the swift establishment of 'hot spot' screening centres and action to return those who do not need our protection to their countries of origin.


Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
HL2339
Session
2015-16
Subjects
Navy Refugees Rescue services EU immigration Mediterranean Sea
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk