Andy Dismore on BBC Radio 4

[sowhat]

Just heard Andy Dismore on BBC Radio 4 talking about unfairness of changes in HSMP rules (4 to 5, higher criteria). As usual he made a very strong case. A home office minister's comments afterwards were as usual clumsy and unconvincing. At least those who suffered from the rules change are getting more publicity, which is positive. Though I doubt if it changes a thing.

[Christophe]

The joint Commons and Lords Human Rights Committee has published its report on changes to the immigration rules affecting HSMP visa holders, and the report is available on-line here and here. News items about it available, for example, from the BBC, the Telegraph and the Guardian.

[Dawie]

You've just got to love the way Home Office ministers always spurt out the same line, or a variation thereof in the face of any sort of criticism. It usually involves saying something about making no apologies for protecting Britain's borders, making sure the system is "robust" and "fair", and demonstrating that they will not tolerate any abuse of the system.

What a bunch of jokers.

[jes2jes]

You've just got to love the way Home Office ministers always spurt out the same line, or a variation thereof in the face of any sort of criticism. It usually involves saying something about making no apologies for protecting Britain's borders, making sure the system is "robust" and "fair", and demonstrating that they will not tolerate any abuse of the system.

What a bunch of jokers.

I like robust and fair!

[Dawie]

You've just got to love the way Home Office ministers always spurt out the same line, or a variation thereof in the face of any sort of criticism. It usually involves saying something about making no apologies for protecting Britain's borders, making sure the system is "robust" and "fair", and demonstrating that they will not tolerate any abuse of the system.

What a bunch of jokers.

I like robust and fair!

Unfortunately it's neither.

[jes2jes]

You've just got to love the way Home Office ministers always spurt out the same line, or a variation thereof in the face of any sort of criticism. It usually involves saying something about making no apologies for protecting Britain's borders, making sure the system is "robust" and "fair", and demonstrating that they will not tolerate any abuse of the system.

What a bunch of jokers.

I like robust and fair!

Unfortunately it's neither.

Your guess (I meant your understanding) is as good as mine (lol)!

[Christophe]

Of course, 'protecting borders' is always a good line for a minister to trot out, because no one sensible would deny that it is important that the UK (or any country) to protect its borders (although what is required for such protection is open to a wide range of interpretation).

The point is though that protection of the borders doesn't have to equate with incompetence.