I share the concerns of many in Newcastle East at the images of people risking their lives and, in some cases, the lives of their children to cross the English Channel. Most of these people will have already faced extreme hardship whether it is fleeing war, persecution, environmental breakdown, and many other troubles in getting to and finding refuge in Europe.

I am concerned that the Government has taken the decision to abolish the Department for International Development. UK International aid helps with global efforts to ensure people are not compelled to leave their homes and travel great distances by unsafe means.

I voted against the Third Reading of the Nationality and Borders Bill which fails to deal with the fundamental breakdown of our asylum system since 2010. I have consistently made the case for the UK to do much more to assist vulnerable refugees and make representations on behalf of refugees and asylum seekers in my constituency.