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Covid-19: Support and Accommodation for Asylum Seekers
29 June 2020
Lead MP
Alison Thewliss
Glasgow Central
SNP
Debate Type
General Debate
Tags
Asylum & RefugeesForeign AffairsBenefits & WelfareLocal Government
Other Contributors: 30
At a Glance
Alison Thewliss raised concerns about covid-19: support and accommodation for asylum seekers in the House of Commons. A government minister responded. Other MPs also contributed.
How the Debate Unfolded
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said:
Government Response
Confirmed that additional accommodation was procured during the pandemic to meet the needs of asylum seekers. Stated plans for moving people out of hotels into regular accommodation as quickly and safely as possible, while ensuring those with successful asylum grants are better off with universal credit. Provided detailed responses to questions raised by Members, addressing issues such as accommodation numbers, risk assessments, healthcare provision, dialogue with local authorities, and future plans for unaccompanied minors. Announced increased funding for councils handling unaccompanied asylum-seeking children. Defended the UK's treatment of asylum seekers as exemplary compared to other European countries. The Minister provided several responses addressing concerns about asylum seekers' safety and welfare during lockdown, public health measures, sharing risk information with relevant organisations, speeding up the asylum process, supporting transitions in home countries to improve safety there, and ensuring proper engagement with local authorities.
Alison Thewliss
SNP
Glasgow Central
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.
Chris Philp
Con
Croydon South
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.
Aaron Bell
Con
City of Durham
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.
Chris Philp
Con
Croydon South
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.
Bob Blackman
Con
Harrow East
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.
Stuart McDonald
SNP
Glasgow Southside
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.
Simon Fell
Con
Worcester
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.
Yvette Cooper
Lab
Pontefract, Castleford and Knottingley
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.
Chris Philp
Con
Croydon South
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.
Christine Jardine
Lib Dem
Edinburgh West
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.
Stuart Anderson
Con
South Shropshire
Praised Wolverhampton City of Sanctuary's work with asylum seekers during the pandemic, inviting the Minister to visit to see their efforts firsthand.
Jim Shannon
DUP
Strangford
Highlighted discrepancies in welfare support for those reliant on it and asked about additional help available during times of fear and uncertainty.
Kieran Mullan
Con
Bexhill and Battle
Emphasised the role of UK aid spending in supporting refugees globally, suggesting that aiding people in conflict zones prevents asylum seeking.
Joy Morrissey
Con
Beaconsfield
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.
Chris Philp
Con
Croydon South
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.
Anne McLaughlin
Party Not Specified
Glasgow
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.
Jo Gideon
Party Not Specified
Stoke-on-Trent Central
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.
Andrew Gwynne
Ind
Gorton and Denton
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.
Scott Benton
Con
Blackpool South
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.
Stewart McDonald
Party Not Specified
Glasgow
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.
James Sunderland
Party Not Specified
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.
Carol Monaghan
Party Not Specified
Glasgow
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.
Bob Stewart
Con
Blackpool South
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.
Margaret Ferrier
Party Not Specified
Glasgow
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.
Harriett Baldwin
Con
West Worcestershire
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.
Diana R. Johnson
Lab
Kingston upon Hull North and Cottingham
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.
Chris Philp
Con
Croydon South
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.
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