Source · Select Committees · Defence Committee
Recommendation 6
6
Paragraph: 60
We believe that the Government ought to reconsider its refusal to publish the details of...
Conclusion
We believe that the Government ought to reconsider its refusal to publish the details of strategic and operational responsibility. This confusion around where responsibility for the policy lies is compounded by the fact that, as noted above, the solution to this issue does not lie at sea and therefore is outside the control of the Royal Navy (and indeed the MOD), despite its assuming primacy of the maritime operation. The fact that, six weeks on from the initial announcement, the Government is still unable (or unwilling) to answer questions about this issue does not inspire confidence.
Paragraph Reference:
60
Government Response
Acknowledged
HM Government
Acknowledged
The Government considers that the overall division of responsibility is clear: the Home Secretary will retain overall accountability for the Government’s illegal migration strategy, whilst the Defence Secretary is assuming responsibility for and control of the operational response to irregular migration by small boats in the Channel. In practice, this means that Defence will be responsible for ensuring small boat migrants in the Channel are identified, intercepted and managed into the wider immigration pathway in a controlled manner. Once the individual has undergone initial processing, the Home Office is responsible for further management of individuals into longer term accommodation or where required, removal from the UK.