HOME OFFICE RETURNS PILOT SCHEME

Early day motion 488, tabled 9 September 2013 by Julian Huppert (Liberal Democrat). Signed by 28 members.

That this House deplores the recent Home Office poster campaign running in UK Border Agency offices in Glasgow and London advising people seeking advice to 'go home'; believes that this poster campaign is an insensitive and ineffective way of dealing with illegal immigration and is unlikely to encourage voluntary returns; notes that this is not the only instance of this type of campaign following the heavily criticised vans carrying similar messages; further notes that charities and non-governmental organisations (NGOs) have expressed their concerns about the campaign; further believes that this scheme is likely to undermine its stated aims whilst creating an environment of fear; and urges the Government to halt immediately this pilot scheme and to work with local authorities, community groups and NGOs to encourage voluntary returns in a more effective, liberal, sympathetic and humane manner.

Signatures by party: Labour 14, Liberal Democrat 8, Alliance 1, DUP 1, Green 1, Independent 1, Plaid Cymru 1, Scottish National Party 1.