Politics latest: Sir Ed Davey to make keynote speech on final day of Lib Dem conference –

Policing minister Chris Philp is now speaking to Kay Burley, where he is asked about Suella Braverman’s plans to redefine what a refugee is.

He was asked how he would define a refugee himself.

Mr Philp told Sky News: “The Refugee Convention was originally written in 1951, and it defined a refugee as someone with a well-founded fear of persecution for a particular reason. 

“For example political views, religious views and so on.

“That was written with the horrors of the Second World War in mind, and of course people who fear for their lives should be protected.

“Over the years the definition, sometimes interpreted by the countries around the world, has sort of expanded somewhat and we’ve seen people who are essentially economic migrants, seeking to use asylum claims.”

The minister pointed to large-scale illegal immigration in the US and the European Union.

He said: “There is an issue that needs to be addressed.

“We need to get the balance right between of course protecting the people in need – who are in genuine fear of persecution – but without facilitating or encouraging large-scale, illegal immigration for essentially economic reasons.”

Mr Philp – who was the immigration minister – was then posed a number of scenarios, and asked if they would be welcome in the UK.

He said: “This country will play its part in protecting people where they are at risk.

“What we don’t want to do is encourage people making dangerous journeys across the Channel.”