Lords to discuss border and asylum cooperation after Brexit with Belgian Embassy in the UK
On Wednesday 17th July the House of Lords EU Home Affairs Sub-Committee will question Jan Bayart, Deputy Head of Mission at the Belgian Embassy in London as part of its inquiry into future UK-EU asylum cooperation after Brexit.
The UK operates border controls in France and Belgium which allow Border Force officers to check passengers and freight destined for the UK before they begin their journey. In January 2018, the UK and France signed a new treaty with the aim of improving security at the French border.
Reports suggest that the effect of these enhanced security measures has been to push undocumented migrants and people-smuggling operations into Belgium. The Committee will ask Jan Bayart how Belgium manages asylum seekers and illegal immigrants seeking to travel to the UK via Belgian ports.
They will also ask:
- What is Belgium's view on the adequacy of the UK's level of financial contribution to support and improve security measures at Belgian ports?
- How do UK and Belgian police and border agencies work together in the operation of the juxtaposed controls, and in tackling immigration and border crimes?
- What are the implications of a ‘no deal' scenario for UK-Belgium border cooperation?
- What is Belgium's position on proposed reforms to the Common European Asylum System?
The evidence session will begin at 10:40am in Committee Room 3 of the House of Lords.
