Speeches by Mullane.

“Could you give us an example?”

“What progress have the Government made in addressing the recommendations in the MAC’s 2024 review of the seasonal worker scheme?”

“Going back to your earlier point, do you think it is about the employers? If you read the studies of what actually goes on, you can see that some really value their workers and make sure they are paid well and in good accommodation, but there is a group, going back to your reinforcement point, that does not. The proper…”

“My question is about temporary shortage lists and skill shortages. What do you think about the Government avoiding temporary migration routes? Is there a danger that they get used indefinitely?”

“Following on from your point earlier, businesses in my seat of Dagenham and Rainham would want the welders from around the area. It is about the skills piece, isn’t it?”

“With local authorities having been cut back with the MASHs, and the police as well, do you think that there is the capability, if anything was to change, to deal with it?”

“AC Taylor, how does the police assess threats from people who have extremist views but do not have an ideological base? With what you responded to my colleague there, with your powers, my local police in my seat, the Metropolitan Police, said that they would not investigate hate crime. Are there particular groups that …”

“Equally, you would also, if you wanted that research—and I agree with you, it needs a massive piece—you would need to understand those who have consumed that and did not go on that journey. Again, that is a massive piece going forward that is needed.”

“Thank you for coming to the Committee today. We went to the National Crime Agency, where this issue was discussed. They gave their perspective and some case history to us. I have to say, personally, it was one of the most disturbing things I have seen for many years. I do not know if the public are as aware of this as …”

“I have no doubt that that is the case with the Prime Minister and the people you have mentioned, but how would you measure the priorities for the actual Departments? You are citing the Home Secretary and the Foreign Secretary at the very top, but how high up are the small boat crossings at Department level?”

“Do you think it would need to get to that point before you would be aware of any duplications?”

“Following on from what the Chair said, I am a firm believer that if a pull factor to the UK is that it will be quite easy to do illegal work—let’s be honest, we are not going to name them, but we would all know who they are—it is about enforcement. What worries me with the ID cards is a narrative beginning to grow for …”

“My question is about agencies working together; you have said a lot about that this morning. How much of a priority are the small boat crossings for all Departments and agencies? Is there any duplication of work? How high on their list are small boats?”

“But did someone fill his place?”

“And organised crime will always be difficult for you to combat. I would be interested to know from both of you, once Rob has spoken, what do you think is the most effective way? Are you really reliant on France—is that what you are saying?”

“Before Rob comes in, we have had presentations on organised crime before. We were told about the boats and where they were storing them, and that they have changed their operation. Then we were told that they were paying people to go up the motorway to Germany. That is always going to change.”

“On the background, between January and September 2025, we had the most small boat crossings. I hear what you said earlier to Robbie about it not happening overnight—it is not going to happen quickly—but people listening to this will be very frustrated to hear that. The number of small boats, and the number of people in…”

“What kind of things do you think an extremist might do that do not reach the threshold of terrorism? I am quite worried about what you have said already; is it a risk to national security?”

“What do you all think about extremist behaviours changing? Do you think it is being driven by social media and the internet on the normal channels, or do you think that is changing as well? I know you alluded to it in a previous question.”

“Do you think antisemitism, misogyny and conspiracy theories are new forms of extremism? Are they, or should they be, a huge concern?”