#Tom Pursglove

[canadda-uk]

The UK government is being criticised after a Department for Work and Pensions video was released on Twitter alongside the caption: “‘We will track you down. We will find you. And we will bring you to justice’ – minister for disabled people Tom Pursglove.

“At DWP we have a very particular set of skills that we use in conjunction with the police to tackle fraud,” it continued.

The warning is an apparent reference to a scene in the film taken, starring Liam Neeson, in which he threatens the drug gang which has kidnapped his daughter.

In the DWP video, at least half a dozen officers are seen ascending a staircase before making an arrest on an alleged benefit fraudster. All the while action film-like music is playing in the background.

Scottish Green MSP Maggie Chapman said: “We know benefit fraud makes up a minuscule amount of money lost to the system. This is just grotesque targeting of the already vulnerable.”

[ianchisnall]

Gatwick for Passport e-Gates Network Outage

Last Wednesday on 8th May in the House of Commons there was a session entitled Passport e-Gates Network Outage which was set out by a Minister Tom Pursglove and his first few words were “With permission, Mr Speaker, I will make a statement about disruption at the border. At around a quarter to eight last night, the Home Office became aware of a significant IT outage. Investigations determined…

[septembriseur]

In addition to being a staggering account of unimaginable trauma and survival, this story highlights how incredibly arbitrary the laws that comprise border imperialism are, and the extent to which mobility is a function of the ability to tell an attention-grabbing and power-compelling story:

‘Amer Alkhatib is a 13-year-old boy whose bandaged ear is the only hint of the trauma he’s endured.

His uncle Yousef is an NHS radiologist living and working in Liverpool, his aunt Israa a teaching assistant. They are his family now. Because on March 15 this year, an Israeli airstrike in Gaza destroyed Amer’s home, killing his parents, grandparents and five siblings.

We have unearthed pictures of the airstrike showing the family home in ruins. Yet miraculously Amer survived. He suffered a haemorrhage, a skull fracture and serious burns, and was evacuated to Egypt, where he had eight operations.

As his closest surviving adult relative, Yousef and his wife Israa decided they had a “moral obligation” to give the child a home.

An interview about Amer’s plight went viral, and Labour’s Jess Phillips, who quit her party’s frontbench in March over its then stance on a ceasefire in Gaza, contacted a Home Office minister, Tom Pursglove.

Phillips told us: “To his credit, he came back immediately and said, we will get it sorted by the end of the day. And we got his visa into his hand within a day.”’

[beardedmrbean]

James Cleverly has said the “unreasonable practice” of overseas students bringing their family to the UK will end as restrictions on visa routes come into force on Monday.

The Home Secretary said the ban, which affects all but those enrolling on postgraduate research courses and ones with Government-funded scholarships, will cut migration by tens of thousands.

The measures were announced in May by his ousted predecessor Suella Braverman shortly before official figures showed net migration running at 672,000.

The move could hit universities which rely on foreign student fees and could also harm the UK’s reputation as an international destination, experts have warned.

It means that as of Monday, international students starting courses in Britain are no longer allowed to obtain visas for their dependants, unless they are on a postgraduate research programme or a Government-sponsored course.

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak tweeted: “From today, the majority of foreign university students cannot bring family members to the UK.”

The Conservative Party leader said the announcement showed that the Government was “already delivering for the British people” in 2024.

Mr Cleverly said: “This Government is delivering on its commitment to the British public to cut migration. We have set out a tough plan to rapidly bring numbers down, control our borders and prevent people from manipulating our immigration system, which will come into force throughout this year.

“Today, a major part of that plan comes into effect, ending the unreasonable practice of overseas students bringing their family members to the UK. This will see migration falling rapidly by the tens of thousands and contribute to our overall strategy to prevent 300,000 people from coming to the UK.”

Immigration minister Tom Pursglove said: “Our world-leading universities rightly attract some of the brightest students from around the world to the UK.

“But we have seen a surge in the number of dependants being brought by students, which is contributing to unsustainable levels of migration.”

Revised Office for National Statistic (ONS) figures released last month showed net migration ran at a record figure of 745,000 in the year to December 2022. It stood at a provisional 672,000 in the year to June 2023.

Earlier in December, Mr Cleverly set out a raft of new restrictions that he said would cut numbers by 300,000 a year, including hiking the salary threshold for Britons bringing foreign spouses to the UK to £38,700.

The move was criticised for threatening to tear families apart, with many having their future thrown into doubt as the Government considered the details of the policy.

Ministers later rowed back by quietly announcing the threshold would first be raised to £29,000 and then increased in “incremental stages” until spring 2025, which in turn angered MPs on the Tory right in favour of tighter migration controls.

The Home Office said the new package is a “tough but fair” approach, insisting the changes to student visas strike the right balance between “attracting the brightest and best” to Britain but “removing the ability for institutions to undermine the UK’s reputation by selling immigration not education.”

Experts have previously expressed concern about the measure.

Nick Hillman, director of the Higher Education Policy Institute (Hepi) think tank, said international students will go to competitor nations if they are discouraged from coming to the UK.

“As a country, we risk cutting off our nose to spite our face,” he warned.

“International students benefit the UK in all sorts of ways. For example, they are vital to maintaining our world-class university sector as their fees cross-subsidise the teaching of home students and also help to fund UK research.

“I don’t celebrate the new changes and I urge ministers to keep a close eye on competitor nations, who may now seek to recruit those people who would otherwise have come here and benefited the whole of our country.”

Labour has backed the restrictions but said they do not go far enough to tackle “deep failures” in skills and training across the UK labour market or boost the country’s sluggish economy.

“Labour supports these restrictions on dependants for overseas students on shorter courses. However, this is nothing more than a sticking plaster,” shadow home secretary Yvette Cooper said.

“The Tories’ complete failure to tackle skills and labour market problems is undermining growth as well as increasing migration.”

In the year ending September 2023, 152,980 visas were issued to dependants of students.

[feckcops]

Why the trope of the benefit “scrounger” has returned

“Everything is dark. A siren yelps, drums kick in, police in riot helmets march up a stairwell, and a man – his head out of shot – zips up a black stab vest marked ‘DWP’.

“It’s Tom Pursglove, a Tory minister of the Matt Hancock aesthetic (Foxtons Tintin), tabard strapped over his suit, standing beside a tree. Brow furrowed, he quasi-quotes Liam Neeson’s ex-CIA maverick in the 2008 film Taken: ‘We will track you down. We will find you. And we will bring you to justice.’ ...

“This is the Department for Work and Pensions’ latest campaign warning against welfare fraud. It was tweeted from the department’s account last Thursday morning, with a take-on-Taken caption: ‘At DWP we have a very particular set of skills that we use in conjunction with the police to tackle fraud.’

“The focus on benefit cheats is disproportionate to the reality. Fraud amounted to just 3 per cent of welfare payments in 2020-21, or £6.5bn. This looks even less significant when you compare it with tax fraud: the ‘tax gap’ between what is owed and what is collected (of which fraud is a large part) is at 5.1 per cent, costing the government £42bn a year. Fraudulent Covid loans, meanwhile, cost the UK £17bn – most of which the government does not expect to recover.”

[roysexton]

From Detroit Legal News: “People often fail to realize the importance of visibility and representation.” INvolve Outstanding 100 #LGBTQ+ Executives Role Model List 2024 https://reelroyreviews.com/2024/11/14/from-detroit-legal-news-people-often-fail-to-realize-the-importance-of-visibility-and-representation-involve-outstanding-100-lgbtq-executives-role-model-list-2024/

[wankerwatch]

Commons Vote

On: Finance (No. 2) Bill: Third Reading

Ayes: 215 (98.6% Con, 0.9% Ind, 0.5% DUP) Noes: 19 (94.7% SNP, 5.3% PC) Absent: ~416

Likely Referenced Bill: Finance (No. 2) Act 2010

Description: A Bill to grant certain duties, to alter other duties, and to amend the law relating to the National Debt and the Public Revenue, and to make further provision in connection with finance.

Originating house: Commons Current house: Unassigned Bill Stage: Royal Assent

Individual Votes:

Ayes

Conservative (211 votes)

Aaron Bell Alan Mak Alberto Costa Alec Shelbrooke Alex Burghart Alex Chalk Alicia Kearns Alok Sharma Amanda Milling Andrew Griffith Andrew Jones Andrew Lewer Andrew Murrison Andrew Percy Andrew Selous Andy Carter Angela Richardson Anna Firth Anne Marie Morris Anne-Marie Trevelyan Anthony Browne Antony Higginbotham Ben Everitt Ben Spencer Ben Wallace Bernard Jenkin Bill Wiggin Bim Afolami Bob Blackman Bob Seely Brandon Lewis Caroline Ansell Caroline Nokes Charles Walker Cherilyn Mackrory Chris Clarkson Chris Grayling Chris Green Chris Philp Conor Burns Craig Tracey Craig Williams Damian Hinds Daniel Kawczynski Danny Kruger David Davis David Duguid David Jones David Rutley David Simmonds Dean Russell Dehenna Davison Derek Thomas Desmond Swayne Duncan Baker Edward Argar Edward Leigh Elizabeth Truss Elliot Colburn Esther McVey Felicity Buchan Fiona Bruce Gagan Mohindra Gareth Bacon Gareth Davies Gareth Johnson Gary Sambrook Gavin Williamson Geoffrey Clifton-Brown Gillian Keegan Graham Brady Graham Stuart Greg Hands Greg Smith Guy Opperman Harriett Baldwin Heather Wheeler Helen Whately Holly Mumby-Croft Huw Merriman Iain Duncan Smith Iain Stewart Jack Brereton Jack Lopresti Jackie Doyle-Price Jacob Rees-Mogg Jacob Young James Cartlidge James Cleverly James Davies James Duddridge James Sunderland James Wild Jane Hunt Jane Stevenson Jeremy Quin Jerome Mayhew Jo Churchill John Glen John Howell John Lamont Jonathan Djanogly Jonathan Gullis Julia Lopez Julian Lewis Julian Smith Julian Sturdy Justin Tomlinson Katherine Fletcher Kelly Tolhurst Kemi Badenoch Kevin Hollinrake Kieran Mullan Kit Malthouse Laura Farris Laura Trott Lee Rowley Leo Docherty Lia Nici Liam Fox Lisa Cameron Louie French Lucy Frazer Luke Hall Marcus Jones Mark Fletcher Mark Francois Mark Garnier Mark Logan Martin Vickers Matt Hancock Matt Warman Matthew Offord Mel Stride Michael Ellis Michael Fabricant Michael Gove Michael Tomlinson Mike Freer Mike Wood Mims Davies Neil O'Brien Nick Fletcher Nick Gibb Nicola Richards Nigel Huddleston Paul Beresford Paul Holmes Paul Howell Pauline Latham Penny Mordaunt Peter Aldous Peter Bottomley Philip Dunne Philip Hollobone Priti Patel Ranil Jayawardena Rebecca Harris Rebecca Pow Rehman Chishti Richard Bacon Richard Drax Richard Fuller Rob Butler Robbie Moore Robert Buckland Robert Courts Robert Goodwill Robert Halfon Robert Largan Robert Syms Robin Millar Robin Walker Royston Smith Sajid Javid Sally-Ann Hart Saqib Bhatti Sara Britcliffe Sarah Dines Scott Mann Selaine Saxby Shailesh Vara Sheryll Murray Simon Baynes Simon Clarke Simon Fell Simon Hart Simon Hoare Simon Jupp Stephen Metcalfe Steve Baker Steve Brine Steve Tuckwell Stuart Andrew Suzanne Webb Theo Clarke Theresa May Theresa Villiers Thérèse Coffey Tobias Ellwood Tom Hunt Tom Pursglove Tom Randall Tom Tugendhat Tracey Crouch Vicky Ford Victoria Atkins Victoria Prentis Wendy Morton Will Quince William Cash

Independent (2 votes)

Mark Menzies William Wragg

Democratic Unionist Party (1 vote)

Jim Shannon

Noes

Scottish National Party (18 votes)

Allan Dorans Amy Callaghan Angela Crawley Anne McLaughlin Brendan O'Hara Chris Law Chris Stephens David Linden Deidre Brock Joanna Cherry John Nicolson Kirsty Blackman Marion Fellows Owen Thompson Peter Grant Philippa Whitford Richard Thomson Stewart Malcolm McDonald

Plaid Cymru (1 vote)

Hywel Williams

[lexlawuk]

Spring 2024 Immigration Changes: UK Family Visa and Skilled Worker Salary Threshold Increase Dates Confirmed

The UK is set for significant changes in its immigration landscape, with the confirmation of dates for alterations to income thresholds affecting family and skilled worker visas. Immigration Minister Tom Pursglove recently outlined these changes, revealing specific dates for the implementation of the increased minimum income requirement for family visas and the rise in the salary threshold for…

[thxnews]

UK Opens Doors Wider with Electronic Travel Scheme

A New Chapter in UK Travel

The UK's introduction of the Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) scheme for Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) and Jordanian nationals marks a significant milestone in travel convenience and affordability. Starting on 22 February 2024, this innovative initiative is poised to streamline the process of visiting the UK, fostering stronger ties and encouraging more visits from these regions.  

Simplifying Travel with Technology

The End of Electronic Visa Waivers Gone are the days of the cumbersome electronic visa waiver (EVW) for Gulf nationals and the pricey single-use visitor visa for Jordanians. The new ETA scheme not only simplifies the entry process but does so at a fraction of the previous cost. Eligible travelers can now enjoy unlimited visits to the UK over a two-year period for a nominal fee of £10, enhancing the travel experience while ensuring robust security measures are in place.   A Boost to the UK Economy The timing couldn't be better. In 2022, nearly 800,000 Gulf visitors contributed an impressive £2 billion to the UK economy. The introduction of the ETA is expected to further bolster this economic input, as it will make the UK an even more attractive destination for tourists and business travelers alike.  

A Seamless Digital Experience

Fast and User-Friendly Application Process Applying for an ETA couldn't be simpler. Through a fully digital process accessible via a mobile app, applicants provide biographic and biometric details, and answers to standard questions. This hassle-free procedure ensures decisions are typically made within 3 working days, with many applications cleared in just a few hours.   Digital Link to Passports Once approved, the ETA digitally links to the traveler's passport, eliminating the need for physical documentation. This forward-thinking approach reflects the UK government's commitment to digitizing and transforming its border and immigration systems, setting new standards in international travel.  

Celebrating the Scheme's Launch

Official Recognition and Future Prospects The Home Secretary, alongside other dignitaries, celebrated the scheme's expansion in a special event, highlighting the significant role Gulf and Jordanian visitors play in the UK's tourism industry. This scheme is a testament to the UK's ambition to lead in border innovation and security, ensuring a warm welcome to international visitors while maintaining stringent security checks.  

Enhancing Tourism and Bilateral Ties

Strengthening Connections The ETA scheme is more than just a travel facilitator; it's a bridge fostering deeper cultural, educational, and economic exchanges. Minister of State for the Middle East, North Africa, and South Asia, Lord Ahmad, emphasized the importance of these strong people-to-people links in enhancing the partnership between the UK and these regions.   VisitBritain's Role in Promoting UK Tourism VisitBritain CEO Patricia Yates underscored the importance of the ETA scheme in boosting the UK's tourism offer. Through targeted campaigns and collaborations with the travel trade, VisitBritain aims to attract even more visitors from the Gulf and Jordan, showcasing the diverse and vibrant experiences the UK has to offer.  

A Warm Welcome Awaits

The UK's ETA scheme represents a significant leap forward in making travel to the UK smoother, cheaper, and more accessible for Gulf and Jordanian nationals. As this initiative rolls out, it promises to not only enhance the travel experience but also to solidify the UK's standing as a leading destination for international visitors.   Sources: THX News, Home Office, Tom Pursglove MP & The Rt Hon James Cleverly MP. Read the full article

[qudachuk]

Tom Pursglove was mocked for claiming there is a “unity of purpose in parliament” on the Rwanda treaty.

[boredgamebh]

Immigration

"UK Visas and Immigration is a division of the Home Office responsible for the United Kingdom's visa system. It was formed in 2013 from the section of the UK Border Agency that had administered the visa system."

"The problem for the government is that you cannot simply pull up the drawbridge. Controlling the country's borders requires international agreement and co-operation."

"For the moment, with few bilateral deals in place, and outside EU arrangements, Brexit has made the situation more complicated, not less."

"For example, the Home Office has introduced post-Brexit rules barring people who have come through a "safe" third country from claiming asylum in the UK. Those deemed "inadmissable" should be removed."

"So, of the more than 25,000 who have crossed from France in small boats this year, how many have been returned? Tom Pursglove, the minister with responsibility for tackling what the government calls illegal migration, was asked exactly that last week, - by Adam Holloway and Yvette Cooper, MPs on the Commons' Home Affairs Committee."

"His answer was five - five people arriving by small boats on UK shores this year, have been returned to EU states since January."

"More than 36,000 people claimed asylum in the first half of 2023."

"Some people wait months or even years for their claims to be considered.

Delays in the UK system have created a backlog of more than 175,000 claims. The prime minister has pledged to clear much of this by the end of 2023.

As of June 2023, the majority of people in the backlog (80%) had been waiting more than six months for an initial decision."

Why is there such a problem with immigration?

According to "Migration Watch UK";

"Immigration is a natural part of an open economy and society. The problem is that the current level of immigration into the UK is much too high. In the year to June 2022, there were 1.1 million visas granted to foreign nationals to come and live in the UK – by far the highest on record (and about equivalent to the population of Britain’s second largest city Birmingham). Meanwhile, the most recent ONS figures issued (for the year to June 2021) put the level of net immigration at 239,000 per year. The authorities have shown themselves unable or unwilling to ensure that our borders are protected and secure, with more than 100,000 people having entered the country via illegal means in just under five years. The level of immigration needs to be reduced and proper and effective control of the UK border must be restored."

"The crux of the debate is not ‘immigration: yes or no’? The key questions are whether immigration is benefiting the country, whether it is running at a level which is acceptable to ordinary citizens and whether it is being controlled in a lawful manner. A country has the right to decide who to allow in. All countries have border controls and all face legitimate questions over who to admit and who to turn away. The key questions are about who and how many people are good for our economy and society."

"As is befitting an organisation that is chaired by a first-generation migrant (see more here), we know only too well that most migrants come here for an admirable reason, to try to better their lives. Many of those from overseas make a positive contribution to our society, including entrepreneurs, artists, medical staff and scientists. However, as many migrants themselves recognise, the UK is already a very crowded place by international standards, and the current pace of immigration-driven population growth is placing serious pressure on our roads, trains, hospitals, GP surgeries, schools and natural resources – all of which are struggling to cope."

"Many people are also concerned about the way in which immigration is leading to rapid cultural and societal change. As the former integration czar Baroness Louise Casey has said, some areas have changed ‘beyond recognition’ in a very short space of time (see media report). Indeed, this process is accelerating, with a number of communities finding that their local way of life is being very rapidly changed."

"Many also believe that the abysmal failure to effectively control immigration on the part of the government is having a harmful impact on public safety and on fundamental British values such as freedom of expression and religion, as well as equality of opportunity for women and for those in the LGBTQ+ community."

To read more on this go to the link below, it's very well worded and easy to understand.

[seachranaidhe]

300% Increase In Disallowed PIP Awards

According to Tom Pursglove DWP Minister For Disabled People, 42,000 claimants lost their PIP Personal Independence Payments) awards in 2021 because they allegedly failed to return their AR1 PIP review forms. This has caused an astonishing unexplained increase of almost 300% in just two years. Theres a strong probability that many of the claimants that […]300% Increase In Disallowed PIP Awards

[ianchisnall]

John Hayes had a disturbing response to Rwanda project

John Hayes had a disturbing response to Rwanda project

On Tuesday A debate took place in the House of Commons under the theme of Nationality and Borders Bill and it was very disappointing. It can be seen here for all of the words. The piece began with this comment from Tom Pursglove who is a Minister of the Justice and the Home Office. He stated “I beg to move, That this House disagrees with Lords amendment 5D.” and a few moments later he stated “The…

[merelygifted]

Refugees the losers as Home Office helper shows he can be Priti unfriendly too | John Crace | The Guardian

The UK has a long and proud tradition of welcoming refugees, said the Home Office minister Tom Pursglove as he opened the debate on the consideration of House of Lords amendments to the nationality and borders bill. He went on to single out the Kindertransport, Afghanistan and Ukraine.

It sounded wonderful, only none of it was quite true. The Kindertransport became part of our history because we weren’t quite so welcoming to Jewish men and women in the late 1930s.

Then there was Afghanistan, where we had done bugger all for ages before the prime minister decided he was keener on rescuing mutts than saving Afghan interpreters.

And for several weeks the UK lagged behind the rest of Europe in its response to Ukraine and it took the country’s citizens to shame the government into upping its game. Still, we get to write our own history and we tell ourselves the stories we want to hear.

But even if his rose-tinted account had been accurate, Pursglove was in the chamber to say that enough was enough. No more Mr Nice Guy. No more Britain being a soft touch. The time had come to be cruel to be kind. Or better still, to be cruel.

So he was there to put the House on notice that the government was going to ignore all attempts by the Lords and the opposition to water down the bill. No ifs, no buts. He and Priti Patel were fed up with listening to woke liberals. Stupidity and viciousness are clearly contagious in the Home Office.

None of it made much sense. One amendment was to be voted down just for the hell of it. Much to the confusion of Stuart C McDonald, the SNP’s home affairs spokesperson. He wanted to know why the government was so keen to get rid of legislation committing the UK to fulfil its obligations under the UN refugee convention when the minister was insistent the UK would always go out of its way to meet them.

Where was the harm in maintaining an amendment that committed you to doing what you said you were going to do anyway? Which was why he couldn’t help being a bit suspicious that the government wasn’t being entirely honest about its intentions.  ...

[autistic-trans]

Conservatives won another 5 years..

Boris Johnson as Prime Minister...

Tom Pursglove (Tory) won my local elections...

Suddenly thinkin’ about moving to Scotland or Germany...

[roysexton]

From Detroit Legal News: “People often fail to realize the importance of visibility and representation.” INvolve Outstanding 100 LGBTQ+ Executives Role Model List 2024

Thank you, Detroit Legal News’ Sheila Pursglove, Brian Cox, Brad Thompson, Tom Kirvan, and team for all this support you show our professional community. It means a lot. Original article here. Roy Sexton, director of Marketing at Clark Hill and 2024 International Immediate Past President of the Legal Marketing Association, has been named to the INvolve Outstanding 100 LGBTQ+ Executives Role…