Lords debates plight of refugees and migrants
9 July 2015
Members of the Lords, including the chief executive of the Humanitarian Aid Relief Trust and a former director of Oxfam UK, debated the displacement of refugees and migrants from Asia and Africa and the long and short term measures to address their plight, on Thursday 8 July.
Members spoke of the connection between policies on foreign affairs, defence and international development, and their impact on mass migration. Many members spoke of the necessity of a strategic international response to address this global challenge
The government outlined the humanitarian support it is currently providing to refugees and displaced people around the world, and spoke of the efforts to tackle the networks that support people-smuggling.
About the debate
This was a general debate. They usually take place on a Thursday in the Lords chamber. During debates, members are able to put their experience to good use, discussing current issues and drawing the government's attention to concerns.
The debate was proposed by Lord Alton of Liverpool (Crossbench), board member of Human Liberty. Other speakers included:
- Baroness Cox (Crossbench), chief executive of the Humanitarian Aid Relief Trust
- Lord Higgins (Conservative), governor for the National Institute of Economic and Social Research
- Lord Judd (Labour), former director of Oxfam UK
- Baroness Ludford (Liberal Democrat), vice chair, JUSTICE.
The Earl of Courtown (Conservative) responded on behalf of the government.
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