Evans quizzes minister over help to clear ‘Jungle’ in Calais
A RUNCORN MP has asked the immigration minister what support the Government was giving the French in clearing the ‘Jungle’ refugee camp near Calais.
Graham Evans spoke to Robert Goodwill in Parliament during a session on age checks for child refugees on Friday, O c t o - ber 21.
M r Ev a n s is the ● ● MP for Weaver Vale, which includes eastern areas of Runcorn, Daresbury and Frodsham.
He paid tribute to Mr Goodwill and the work being carried out to help the ‘most vulnerable’ children and asked: “Will he update the House on what assistance the Government have offered the French Government to clear the camp at Calais?
Mr Goodwill said the Government was working ‘very closely’ with its French counterpart and that Home Secretary Amber Rudd had met her opposite number on a ‘number of’ occasions.
He said: “Where resources are needed we are ensuring that we can help wherever we can.
“We are working very closely with the French. It is in our common interests to ensure that the camp is cleared, not just because of the people there, but because of the pull factor that it has for people who may be thinking about making the dangerous journey across the Mediterranean.”
Earlier, Mr Goodwill had told the Commons that those referred to UK authorities by France Terre D’Asile were interviewed by officials from both countries.
He said that when ‘credible and clear’ evidence of age was not available, then criteria including physical appearance and demeanour was used to assess age as part of the interview process.
Mr Goodwill said: “My officials are working in difficult circumstances in Calais to ensure that vul- nerable children are safeguarded.
“There has been significant media coverage over the last week questioning the appearance of those admitted to the UK.
“I think we would all agree that teenagers’ appearances vary widely,dl and my officials and all the agencies working in these difficult circumstances have the safety and d welfarelf of fh the young people in mind.
“I want to be clear that where we believe someone is clearly over 18, they ● w will be refused.”
The immigration minister said on Friday that ‘around 10%’ of cases referred were refused on the basis of age.
He added: “We have made significant progress to bring to the UK those children with family members. We are absolutely determined to get those children here, but I would call on all members of the House, the media and the public to respect the privacy of these vulnerable young people.”