Questions & Answers
Q1
Direct Answer
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Context
The use of hotels for accommodating destitute asylum seekers has been a point of concern due to an increase in small boat arrivals. Many hotels have been converted into temporary accommodation.
What progress his Department has made on closing asylum hotels. The Home Office has used hotels as a short-term measure, but there is a need for more information on the closures and their impact.
The Home Office has been clear that using hotels was a temporary measure. More than 64 hotels have closed by the end of January, and we are tracking ahead of profile when it comes to closing more hotels.
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Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
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Context
Shrewsbury is known for its listed buildings and attracts tourism. The Lion Hotel, a prominent hotel in Shrewsbury, has been used to house illegal migrants.
When will the Lion Hotel in Shrewsbury revert back to its normal use of housing tourists? We were given an assurance that it would be taken out of this use but have heard nothing further from the Minister or his Department.
We are committed to closing hotels that house illegal migrants. We have been tracking ahead of profile in closures, and more people are accommodated outside hotels. The Minister acknowledges the representations about the hotel in Shrewsbury.
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Assessment & feedback
The questioner asked for a specific timeline on when the Lion Hotel will revert to its normal use but did not receive one.
Response accuracy
Q3
Partial Answer
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Context
The majority of asylum seekers in residential accommodation do not want to be there. Three quarters of them are likely to receive asylum.
Does the Minister agree that part of the process should include looking at integration for those waiting for their hearing and decision? Given this, is it time to give asylum seekers the right to work?
Such an approach would undermine our legal migration system. While we support people granted asylum to move on, including through work, it is important that applicants follow the rules and process properly.
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Assessment & feedback
The questioner asked about granting asylum seekers the right to work while their applications are processed, but the Minister deflected by focusing on maintaining a legal migration system.
Changing Subject
Focusing On Different Rules
Response accuracy