Covid-19: Support and Accommodation for Asylum Seekers

Expressed concerns about the accommodation and support provided to asylum seekers in Glasgow during the pandemic, including deaths of Adnan Elbi and Badreddin Abadlla Adam. Asked questions regarding Whitehall sources, Mears contract suspension, reinstatement of £5.37 daily allowance, halting evictions, returning to appropriate accommodation, and an independent inquiry.

Provided information on the UK's support for asylum seekers during the pandemic, including 20,000 grants of protection or asylum last year and over 3,000 unaccompanied asylum-seeking children. Stated that additional accommodation was procured to meet needs due to the pandemic and safety measures taken. Confirmed plans to move people out of hotels into regular accommodation as quickly as possible.

Agreed with the Minister that helping genuine asylum seekers is important, but also highlighted the need for swifter judgments on meritless claims to ensure fairness and efficiency in the system.

Responded to the shadow Minister's questions by providing statistics on asylum accommodation numbers before and during the coronavirus crisis. Stressed the importance of processing meritorious claims quickly to alleviate pressure on accommodation resources. Reiterated that health and risk assessments are conducted upon arrival and continuously thereafter. Assured ongoing vigilance after recent incidents.

Asked about measures being implemented to assess the risk of violence towards asylum seekers and the British public, acknowledging the need for careful handling given the vulnerabilities of those seeking refuge.

Joined in expressing sympathy for victims and paid tribute to emergency services. Highlighted the necessity for an independent inquiry into recent events, questioning the adequacy of risk assessments and implementation strategies. Emphasised support needs including counselling and financial aid, urging dialogue between the Home Office and local authorities.

Discussed the UK's record in accepting unaccompanied minors during the pandemic, expressing concerns about future plans. Sought assurances from the Minister regarding the continuation of such schemes for both unaccompanied minors and family reunions.

Joined in paying respects to victims and emergency workers. Questioned why additional financial support was not provided during hotel accommodation transitions, citing concerns about living conditions and the removal of previous allowances for basic provisions.

Stressed the importance of supporting unaccompanied asylum-seeking children and announced a substantial increase in funding for councils. He defended the UK's record on treating asylum seekers.

Expressed concern over the conditions in which asylum seekers live, asking the Minister to consider a full public inquiry into recent events. She highlighted issues of mental health and dignity for asylum seekers.

Praised Wolverhampton City of Sanctuary's work with asylum seekers during the pandemic, inviting the Minister to visit to see their efforts firsthand.

Highlighted discrepancies in welfare support for those reliant on it and asked about additional help available during times of fear and uncertainty.

Emphasised the role of UK aid spending in supporting refugees globally, suggesting that aiding people in conflict zones prevents asylum seeking.

Asked for confirmation that maintaining law and order remains a top priority for the Government and sought assurance that asylum policy aligns with this ethos.

Inquired about risk assessments for those placed in hotel accommodation, questioning whether trafficked women should be kept there for 12 months.

Described the pandemic's impact on asylum seekers as an experience of a hostile environment. He advocated extending the right to work to these individuals.

Urged not to let rare negative experiences influence policy towards asylum seekers, endorsing initiatives fostering welcome and inclusion for newcomers.

The Minister confirmed the UK's commitment to extend a welcome to those in need of protection, providing around 20,000 grants of asylum or protection last year. He emphasised the importance of public safety and defended measures taken during the coronavirus epidemic for public health reasons. The Minister also stated that information on potential risks is shared among relevant organisations quickly and that reforming the system to speed up processing and reduce abuse is necessary.

Expressed concern about a constituent who was moved due to lockdown restrictions, describing it as traumatic. Criticised the Minister for not providing adequate health support as promised and urged him to take action.

Asked if the Minister recognised that areas like Stoke-on-Trent face significant demands on local support networks due to asylum seekers, questioning whether there is an unlimited capacity for such services.

Inquired about how information on asylum seekers who may pose a threat is shared between the Home Office, local councils, health services, police, and security agencies. Questioned whether processes were in place to ensure safety.

Said that the recent attack underlines the importance of reforming asylum policy to prevent false claims and speed up rejection and deportation for those posing a threat. The Minister agreed, noting that reforms are needed to expedite meritorious cases and reduce abuse.

Critiqued the tone of the Minister's remarks about asylum accommodation in Glasgow during lockdown. Urged for an intensive engagement strategy involving public bodies, as no Government Minister had met with Glasgow City Council since taking office.

Asked if enough is being done to discourage dangerous journeys and bring people traffickers to justice. The Minister responded by stating that asylum seekers should claim asylum in the first safe country they reach and noted efforts to crack down on those facilitating illegal entry.

Highlighted Glasgow's reputation for welcoming refugees but criticised the current conditions of asylum accommodation, referencing a tragic death case. Questioned whether warning systems were in place and functioning effectively.

Asked about the average time after an application rejection before someone is removed from UK shores. The Minister responded that it varies widely depending on circumstances but emphasised the importance of removal to maintain fairness in the immigration system.

Discussed mental health issues among asylum seekers, which are five times higher than average. Urged for an urgent funding package for mental health support and emphasised the need to treat asylum seekers with dignity.

Asked about the number of asylum seekers from Sudan in supported accommodation and welcomed the Government’s pledge to support Sudan's transition to democracy. The Minister confirmed the Government's commitment to stability and safety in Sudan.

Noted that asylum seekers housed in hotels often lack financial support for basic needs, leading them to use A&E services unnecessarily. She urged the Minister to address this issue.

Stressed that hotel accommodation is not the preferred method for asylum seekers and mentioned that prior to coronavirus, fewer than 1,000 people were accommodated in hotels which was less than 2% of the total. Also stated they are looking to unwind hotel accommodation as quickly as possible due to logistical constraints. Offered to investigate whether basic medical supplies such as plasters are available for asylum seekers in hotels.