In a statement today 21 July, on progress following the Windrush Lessons Learned Review, Stephen questioned Home Secretary Priti Patel about the Toeic English language testing scandal and those forced into destitution by the No Recourse to Public Funds policy.
Stephen commented afterwards: ‘I welcome the Home Secretary’s commitment to act on the recommendations of the Windrush report and review the hostile environment policy. However, I was disappointed by her response to my question. This commitment will be superficial without swift action on policy failures.
In 2014, the Home Office falsely accused thousands of international students of cheating on the ‘Toeic’ English language test. Over 30,000 students had their visas cancelled and were thrown off their courses, with no chance to appeal. Some were detained and deported. They are not permitted to study or work in the UK, and the lives of many have been ruined. The Home Secretary continues to suggest I raise individual cases with ministers. But this is not an issue with individual cases of wrong, but a systemic injustice which needs a policy solution.
Today the Home Secretary also expressed her commitment to open up the Home Office to scrutiny. I agree with her that policy and decision-making must be ‘vigorously examined’. I hope the Home Office will therefore now release the data on No Recourse to Public Funds that I and other MPs have been asking for for months.’