Lord Loomba, speaking in the House of Lords last week raised key questions ranging from business support, to regulations affecting the North of England and Covid-19 restrictions. He also raised questions on the plight of refugee and asylum seeker assistance after the 1st January 2021, and payments for victims of the Troubles in Northern Ireland.
He sought assurance from the Government about the long-term viability of financial support to help businesses survive for longer periods.
On the topic of the UK’s imminent departure from the transition period with the EU, and what this means for migrants and asylum seekers, Lord Loomba emphasised the importance of our shared history with Europe and our working together on cross-border co-operation that ensures the best outcomes for people, whatever their status. Lord Loomba wanted to know how the Government proposed to help refugees and asylum seekers in the future, and especially in the light of no deal.
He noted, ‘Refugees and asylum seekers are often fleeing human rights abuses or persecution in their own country. They are entitled to be treated humanely and with proper due process. Highlighting the plight of the children who find themselves in this situation, Lord Loomba, stated, Children, especially unaccompanied, are the most vulnerable in this situation. They need our help unfettered by bureaucracy and red tape.
He continued, 'The nuts and bolts of what exactly a comprehensive readmission agreement means should be published well ahead of the end of the transition period, stressing that it is children who suffer the most in these circumstances.’
In a further intervention during the week, Lord Loomba joined an oral question on payments to victims of the troubles in Northern Ireland. He noted that there had been a scathing judgement on the delay to payments. This meant, along with practical difficulties in setting up the scheme, victims would have to wait almost another year to receive any monies. Lord Loomba asked if victims will be compensated for payments lost during the delay period.
