Question
The Home Secretary talked positively about reducing the number of illegal migrants coming in by small boats. Could I ask her, though, what actual steps the Government are taking to thwart illegal migration to the United Kingdom across the open border from the Republic of Ireland into Northern Ireland?
Answer
The hon. and learned Gentleman will know that I discuss this issue regularly with my counterparts in the Republic of Ireland. We are committed to working closely together to ensure that we do not allow any illegal entry, either from the United Kingdom into the Republic or vice versa.50% vibes
Verdict: AMBER (35/100)
The reply addresses the one part of the question, which asked what the Government is doing about illegal entry between the UK and the Republic of Ireland. It says the Minister discusses the issue regularly with Irish counterparts and is committed to closer working, but it names no specific mechanism, enforcement action, or measure. The answer is therefore mostly hedged, and someone reading it would still lack concrete detail and might need to ask again for specifics.
How we got there
| Question item | Coverage | Specificity | Rationale |
|---|---|---|---|
| What is the Government doing about illegal migration into Northern Ireland across the land border with the Republic of Ireland? | Addressed | Hedged | The reply describes the general pattern of engagement, saying the Minister discusses the issue regularly with Republic of Ireland counterparts and is committed to working closely to prevent illegal entry in either direction. This answers what the Government is doing, but it names no concrete mechanism, enforcement action, or measure, so the specificity is hedged. |