Controlling borders: Meg Hillier interview
Home Office Minister Meg Hillier talks to Meadhbh Monahan about immigration’s impact on the province and why a UK-wide approach is relevant.
There is no reason to think that Northern Ireland is exempt from the risk posed by Islamic terrorists, according to Meg Hillier.
During her visit to Stormont – Hillier who is also an MP for Hackney South and Shoreditch and a former journalist – echoed comments made by Northern Ireland Secretary of State Shaun Woodward.
Woodward told The Politics Show that the threat of Islamic terrorists striking Northern Ireland is a primary reason why national security must continue to be controlled by the UK Government after the devolution of policing and justice powers. Hillier added that Woodward’s words “were a caution for us all to be vigilant wherever we are.”
Kafeel Ahmed, who was one of the men held in connection with the bomb attempt on Glasgow airport in 2007 was linked to Northern Ireland in that he was a former student of Queen’s. Hillier clarified that while there is no current intelligence suggesting an attack is imminent, Northern Ireland must not allow itself to be “lulled into a sense of security because we have got things back on track at Stormont.”
Hiller also recognised the current internal dissident republican threat and added: “It doesn’t mean that we can’t face threats and challenges from other areas.”
The trip was part of a UK-wide advertisement of an over-haul of the immigration system including: tightening the current points-based system; increased use of biometric visas and electronic controls; probationary citizenship; deportation of serious criminals; and a duty to learn English.
Hillier met representatives of business, migrant and refugee groups, education providers, councillors and MLAs. She was told by colleges and the tourist board that more effort should be made to grant access to international students and visitors, considering the economic benefits they bring to the province.
“There was an interesting exchange about support for people coming in from China and India and I was told that £20,000 per year is spent by these students in Northern Ireland, after their fees,” Hillier revealed.
She said that she had taken a number of “action points” from the meeting because “what we don’t want to do is create perverse outcomes such as students not being able to take up their places or tourists not being able to holiday in the UK, Northern Ireland or indeed Ireland.”
On border security within the island of Ireland, Hillier said that the threat of illegal immigration between the Republic and Northern Ireland is a “moot-point” because of the common travel area.
The Home Office works with the Garda National Immigration Bureau in the Republic to ensure effective border control.
“With both [the UK and Ireland] being islands, it is difficult,” Hillier concedes.
“If you are an illegal migrant you are going to try anything you can to stay in a country and moving around is part of that. Practical co-operation on the ground helps to tackle some of the potential concerns.”
A good immigration policy, according to Hillier is one which is “firm and fair” with “strong controls at the border.”
“We need to welcome those who are fleeing persecution through the asylum system and those from the UN camps.”
Letting people know what the rules are and the consequences when rules are broken, is also important in formulating policy, Hillier argues.
In relation to Labour’s general election prospects, she remains coy and concludes: “I am still going about my business as a government minister. I had a very constructive meeting with MLAs today. Work, as far as I’m concerned, goes on until 6 May and after that you never know. I’m not a betting woman.”
